Hemophagocytosis in Critically Ill Adult Patients
This study is looking into a serious condition called hemophagocytosis, sometimes known as HLH, in adult patients who are very unwell and have low levels of important blood cells (like white blood cells and platelets). In children, HLH can be life-threatening, and researchers want to see if the same is true for adults who show similar signs. The main goal is to understand if having HLH makes a difference in how well these patients respond to a medicine called rhG-CSF. This medicine is given to help boost the body's natural production of blood cells. By understanding this link, doctors might be able to better care for critically ill patients with low blood counts in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your body's immune system, which usually fights off infections, becoming overactive and accidentally attacking healthy blood cells. This is a simplified way to describe what happens in a severe condition called hemophagocytosis, also known as HLH. This study is focusing on adult patients who are very ill and have low levels of different types of blood cells, which can make them more vulnerable.
Doctors already know that HLH can be a very dangerous condition in children. This research aims to find out if adult patients who meet similar criteria for HLH are also experiencing this serious condition. Critically, the study wants to see if the presence of HLH affects how well these patients respond to a common medicine called rhG-CSF. This medicine is often given to help the body make more white blood cells and other important blood components.
The information gathered from this study is important because it could help doctors better understand how to diagnose and treat seriously ill adults with low blood counts. By understanding the connection between HLH and how patients respond to rhG-CSF, medical teams might be able to make more informed decisions about treatment, potentially leading to better care for these vulnerable patients.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a serious immune condition called HLH in very ill adults.
- It aims to see if HLH affects response to blood-boosting medicine (rhG-CSF).
- Participation involves using existing medical data; no new procedures.
- Findings could improve understanding and care for critically ill patients.
- You can withdraw at any time without impacting your treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 90 who are currently very unwell and staying in hospital. To be considered, you must have low levels of certain blood cells, specifically a low white blood cell count and a low platelet count.
You would also need to be receiving treatment with a medicine called rhG-CSF, which helps your body produce more blood cells, as part of your regular care.
However, some people cannot take part. This includes if your doctors believe you have less than 24 hours to live, if you are pregnant, or if you have a known blood cancer or other serious blood disorder. People who have recently had severe trauma and were needing resuscitation, or those who are already part of another research study, would also not be eligible. If you are receiving high doses of steroid medication or chemotherapy, you also can't join this study.
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 an adult aged 18 or older?
- Are you currently very unwell and in hospital?
- Do you have low white blood cells and low blood platelets?
- Are you receiving rhG-CSF medicine?
- Are you not pregnant and do not have a blood cancer or other serious blood disorder?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and agree to take part, the study will mainly involve collecting information and samples that are already being taken for your usual care. This means there will be no extra doctors' visits or special appointments just for the study. Researchers will look at your existing medical records, including your blood test results and other clinical assessments. They will be observing how you respond to the rhG-CSF medication you are already receiving. The total duration of your participation will depend on how long you need to be in hospital and receive the rhG-CSF treatment, but it won't add any extra time to your hospital stay.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital UlmVerified postcodeUlm, Germany· Recruiting
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Comprehensive Infectious Disease Center, University Hospital Ulm, GermanyVerified postcodeUlm, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is rhG-CSF?
rhG-CSF is a medicine that helps your body produce more white blood cells, which are important for fighting infections. It's often given to people with low blood cell counts.
What is hemophagocytosis (HLH)?
HLH is a serious condition where your immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks your own healthy blood cells, which can cause serious health problems.
Will I receive any new treatment if I join this study?
No, this study does not involve giving you any new treatments. It observes information from the care and medications you are already receiving.
Do I need to do anything extra if I participate?
No, you don't need to do anything extra. Researchers will use information from your existing medical records and blood tests.
Will joining the study affect my regular medical care?
Absolutely not. Your participation is completely voluntary and will not affect the medical care you receive from your doctors.
How to find out more
Manfred E Weiss, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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