Gut bugs in the ICU: could they predict who gets better?

NCT ID NCT04552834

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows 500 adults admitted to the intensive care unit to see how their gut bacteria (microbiome) change during critical illness. Researchers will track deaths and recovery up to one year later. The goal is to understand whether these bacterial shifts affect short- and long-term outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors understand how gut bacteria affect recovery from critical illness, potentially leading to new ways to improve outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly test any therapy, and results may not lead to immediate changes in patient care.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Chicago Medical Center

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States