VISCOSITY-ICU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of Changes in Sputum Viscosity and Composition in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit - An Observational Study
IRAS ID
335701
Contact name
Daniel J Law
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 17 days
Research summary
Mechanical ventilation is a life saving treatment used in the Intensive Care Unit. Patients may be placed on a ventilator if they are struggling to breath (from an infection for example) or if they are unconscious (from a head injury for example).
Ventilation, however, affects the body’s natural defense mechanisms that keep our lungs safe. One of these mechanisms is the clearing of secretions (sputum) from the lung. Placing someone on a ventilator causes their sputum to become thicker and more difficult to clear. This sputum becomes trapped allowing bacteria to grow. The trapped sputum also blocks part of the lung making it more difficult for us to ventilate patients. We as doctors try to treat thicker sputum so that ventilating patients is as safe as possible, with the least amount of side effects. We have a range of medications and techniques to help clear sputum, however evidence is lacking to tell us which treatment is best.
In this study we aim to study sputum of patients who are ventilated. We want to gain knowledge of the changes in sputum whilst being on a ventilator. We plan to directly measure how thick the sputum becomes and also measure what molecules make up the sputum. During this study, we will be collecting samples that we take routinely for patients. We will not be trying any new treatments. With this knowledge we can target therapies in the future and also test their effect. Future studies will measure the sputum with medications to assess if they are improving sputum and making ventilation safer for patients.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
23/WA/0337
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion