Protein analysis could unlock better pneumonia diagnosis for ventilator patients

NCT ID NCT07245888

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Region Skane Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This observational study will analyze proteins from lung fluid samples of 400 ICU patients on ventilators who are suspected of having pneumonia. The goal is to identify distinct biological subgroups of the infection, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. No experimental treatments are given; all patients receive standard care.

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 lead to more accurate diagnostic tools for ventilator-associated pneumonia, helping doctors tailor treatments and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, so it won't directly test a new treatment. The findings may not translate into a practical diagnostic test, and results might not apply to all ICU settings.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

About 400 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

May 2026

Expected to finish

Dec 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to intensive care units in Sweden, France, Portugal, Denmark, and the United Kingdom who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and undergo bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or mini-BAL for clinical suspicion of lower respiratory tract infection. Patients are enrolled at the time of sampling and followed for 30-day outcomes. No experimental interventions are administered; all patients receive standard care.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or mini-BAL on clinical indication for suspected lower respiratory tract infection. New or worsening clinical signs compatible with lower respiratory tract infection within the preceding 24 hours, defined as the treating clinician's suspicion plus at least one of: Body temperature \>38 °C or \<36 °C. Visually purulent tracheal secretions. Signs of reduced oxygenation (e.g., increased FiO₂ and/or decreased arterial pO₂, increased positive end-expiratory pressure or driving pressure). Request for chest radiograph to investigate infection or new infiltrate. Initiation of antibiotic therapy targeting lower respiratory tract infection. Exclusion Criteria: BAL or mini-BAL performed solely for screening without suspicion of infection. Concurrent enrolment in the VAPmarkers study (reserved for external validation). Age \<18 years. Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude safe participation or confound study objectives.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Mechanical ventilation complication Ventilator acquired pneumonia

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

4 sites in 3 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Protein analysis could unlock better pneumonia diagnosis for ventilator patients

What the study statuses mean