RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hemodynamic Evaluation Using Microcirculation for Early Treatment of Septic Patients

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. Even with current treatments, many people with sepsis still get very sick. This study is exploring a new way to help these patients by focusing on "microcirculation" – the very small blood vessels. Sometimes, despite other vital signs looking normal, there might still be problems with blood flow at a tiny level. Nurses in the emergency department will measure these small blood flow changes using simple checks like looking at skin colour and warmth. If these changes suggest a problem, they'll promptly start giving fluids. The aim is to see if this early action can make a real difference in how well patients recover.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Limoges

Enrolment target

556

Start

20 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

28 Mar 2027

Sepsis Emergency Care Microcirculation

What is this study about?

Sepsis is a serious condition that happens when your body's response to an infection gets out of control and starts to cause damage to your own organs. It's a bit like your body overreacting to a threat, and it can become life-threatening very quickly. Current treatments for sepsis are vital, but unfortunately, many patients still face serious complications or even death.

Doctors believe that one reason for this is that even when bigger measurements like blood pressure seem normal, there might still be problems with how blood flows to the smallest parts of the body – what we call 'microcirculation'. This study wants to see if we can catch these tiny problems earlier. Nurses in the emergency department will be specially trained to check for signs of poor microcirculation, such as looking at your skin's colour and how warm it feels (this is called 'marbling assessment' and checking the 'peripheral perfusion index').

If these simple checks suggest that your microcirculation isn't working as it should, the nurses will quickly start giving you fluids through a drip. The main goal of this study is to find out if this early action, based on these microcirculation measurements, can help improve how patients with sepsis recover and survive. It's about finding ways to provide quicker, more targeted care when it matters most.

Key takeaways

Sepsis is a serious infection-related condition.
The study aims to improve care by detecting subtle blood flow issues.
Nurses will use simple skin checks to guide quick fluid treatment.
Participation involves early assessment and a 7-day follow-up.
The goal is to see if earlier treatment leads to better recovery.
Your standard medical care will continue regardless of participation.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have arrived at the Emergency Department within the last six hours because doctors suspect you have sepsis. This means you likely have a fever (38.3°C or higher) and other signs that suggest an infection, along with a certain score on a special health check called NEWS2.

You also need to be part of a social security system and agree to take part. Researchers can't accept you if you already have very low blood pressure when you arrive, or if you've already received a specific amount of fluids through a drip (500ml over 30 minutes) before the study began. Also, if the doctor believes you are too unwell to benefit, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you won't be able to join. Individuals under legal guardianship are also not eligible.

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 or older?
Did you arrive at A&E recently (within 6 hours) with suspected sepsis?
Do you have a fever (38.3°C or higher) and other signs of infection?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you not received 500ml of fluids through a drip already?
Are you affiliated with a social security system (e.g., NHS in the UK)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be assessed by nurses using simple checks like looking at your skin's colour and how warm it is. If these checks suggest a problem with blood flow, you might quickly receive a specific amount of fluids (500ml) through a drip over about 30 minutes. This will only happen after a doctor has reviewed your situation. You will then be carefully followed up for 7 days to see how you are recovering. There are no extra hospital visits required beyond your normal care, and the total duration of your participation in terms of active monitoring for the study is this 7-day follow-up period.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of participating include possibly receiving quicker fluid treatment which might improve your recovery from sepsis, though this is what the study aims to find out. There are no known direct risks beyond those associated with standard sepsis care and receiving fluids, which is a common treatment. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Locations (6)

Brive Hospital
Verified postcode
Brivé, France· Recruiting
Guéret Hospital
Verified postcode
Guéret, France· Recruiting
Limoges University Hospital
Verified postcode
Limoges, France· Recruiting
Saint Junien Hospital
Verified postcode
Saint-Junien, France· Recruiting
Tulle Hospital
Verified postcode
Tulle, France· Recruiting
Ussel Hospital
Verified postcode
Ussel, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a very serious condition where your body's immune system overreacts to an infection, causing damage to your own organs.

What does 'microcirculation' mean?

It refers to the blood flow in your body's smallest blood vessels, which are crucial for getting oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.

Will I get extra medicine?

The study looks at giving fluids through a drip earlier, not necessarily extra medicines outside of standard care for sepsis.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be followed up for 7 days to see how you recover after potential early treatment.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Anaelle NARDOT-SUCHAUD

anaelle.nardot-suchaud@chu-limoges.fr 0519761835 Official trial record

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