Identifying early signs of sepsis in critically ill ICU patients

Sepsis Physiomarkers for Appropriate Risk Knowledge of monitored patients in the ICU (SPARK-ICU)

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10875604

This study is looking at how we can use real-time health data to better predict sepsis in critically ill patients in the ICU, so doctors can catch it early and improve care for those at risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10875604 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on critically ill patients in the ICU who are at risk of developing sepsis, a severe infection that can significantly increase mortality rates. The study aims to develop new 'physiomarkers' from continuous physiological data, which can help predict the onset of sepsis more accurately than traditional methods that rely on structured electronic medical records. By utilizing real-time data streams and advanced machine learning algorithms, the research seeks to provide timely alerts to healthcare providers, potentially improving patient outcomes. The goal is to create a more reliable and efficient system for monitoring patients at risk of sepsis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients aged 21 and older who are admitted to the ICU and at risk of developing sepsis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or those who do not require ICU admission may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention for sepsis, significantly reducing mortality rates among critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning and continuous data monitoring for predicting sepsis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.