RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of the Immunological Pathophysiological Mechanisms Associated With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This study is investigating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a very serious lung condition affecting about 1 in 10 intensive care patients, with a high death rate. Current treatments don't work for everyone, partly because ARDS isn't just one illness but many different types. By looking closely at blood markers and immune cells from the lungs, researchers hope to identify these different types of ARDS more clearly. Understanding these differences could lead to developing new, more targeted treatments that work better for specific groups of patients, ultimately improving their chances of recovery and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

11 May 2029

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

What is this study about?

Imagine your lungs are like sponges, but sometimes they get so inflamed and filled with fluid that they can't do their job properly, making it incredibly hard to breathe. This severe condition is called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). It's a very serious illness that often requires patients to be in intensive care and on a breathing machine.

Currently, about 10% of patients admitted to intensive care units develop ARDS, and unfortunately, a significant number of them don't survive. Even for those who do recover, ARDS can lead to long-lasting problems like extreme tiredness and a reduced quality of life. The challenge for doctors and researchers is that ARDS isn't always the same – it can affect different people in different ways, and what works for one person might not work for another. This study aims to get a much clearer picture of these different types of ARDS.

The researchers believe that by looking very closely at your blood and special immune cells from your lungs, they can identify specific 'fingerprints' of inflammation. These fingerprints could tell them exactly which type of ARDS a patient has. The main goal is to understand what makes each type of ARDS unique. This knowledge is incredibly important because it could pave the way for creating new, more personalised treatments that are specifically designed to tackle each different form of ARDS, leading to better outcomes for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

ARDS is a severe lung condition where lungs get inflamed and struggle to function.
The study aims to find different 'types' of ARDS to develop better treatments.
Researchers will use blood and lung fluid samples to understand the immune response.
This research hopes to improve future care for patients with ARDS.
Participation involves extra tests but no new medications.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to be an adult (18 years or older) currently in intensive care, suffering from ARDS and needing help with breathing using a machine. Your lung problems shouldn't be caused by heart issues or too much fluid in your body.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've been on a breathing machine for ARDS for more than 48 hours, or if you have certain medical conditions that affect your immune system, like some types of cancer or HIV with very low immunity. Also, if you have a condition that makes a lung procedure called a bronchoscopy unsafe, or if you are pregnant, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you've recently had a cardiac arrest with a poor outlook, are under legal guardianship, or don't have social security coverage. The study aims to include a wide range of patients, both male and female, who meet the specific criteria for ARDS.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in intensive care with severe breathing problems (ARDS) and on a breathing machine?
Is your ARDS not caused by heart problems or too much body fluid?
Do you not have an existing severe immune system condition (like certain cancers or advanced HIV)?
Are you not pregnant?
Have you been on a breathing machine for ARDS for less than 48 hours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your loved one takes part in this study, doctors will collect extra blood samples that they wouldn't normally take. They will also perform a procedure called a bronchoscopy. This involves passing a thin, flexible tube down into your lungs to collect a small fluid sample containing immune cells. These samples will then be carefully analysed in the lab to understand your body's specific immune response. You will already be receiving standard medical care for ARDS in the intensive care unit. The study involves collecting these samples and observations, and there are no extra medications or follow-up visits beyond your usual care. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the period during which these samples are collected while you are in the intensive care unit.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always has potential benefits and risks. The main benefit of this study is that it will help doctors better understand ARDS, which could lead to new and more effective treatments for future patients. While there's no direct guarantee of benefit for you personally, your contribution is vital to medical progress. The main additional risk comes from the bronchoscopy, a procedure that has some small risks, but these are carefully managed by your medical team and only performed if medically appropriate. Remember, taking part in any study is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Lariboisière
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ARDS?

ARDS stands for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which is a very serious lung condition where your lungs are severely inflamed and struggle to get enough oxygen into your blood.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it aims to understand why ARDS affects people differently, which could lead to new and better treatments for patients in the future.

What will happen if I join the study?

If you join, doctors will take extra blood samples and a small fluid sample from your lungs (via a procedure called a bronchoscopy) to study your immune cells and how your body is reacting to ARDS.

Will I get new medicine?

No, this study does not involve giving any new medicines. It focuses on understanding the illness through samples, not on testing new treatments directly.

Can I choose to leave the study at any time?

Yes, taking part is completely voluntary. You can decide to leave the study at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Pierre-Louis BLOT, MD

pierre-louis.blot@aphp.fr +331049956565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.