Investigating respiratory infections in critically ill patients with tracheostomies
Tracheobronchitis in the Critically Ill
This study is looking at a common lung infection called tracheostomy-associated tracheobronchitis that affects many people recovering from serious illnesses who have had a tracheostomy, and it aims to learn more about how this infection develops and impacts recovery so that doctors can better help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10870171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding tracheostomy-associated tracheobronchitis (TATB), a respiratory infection affecting nearly 30% of patients recovering from critical illness who have undergone tracheostomy. The study aims to define the natural history and outcomes of TATB by assembling a longitudinal cohort of participants in a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital. Researchers will analyze the event rate of TATB, its impact on long-term recovery, and the role of bacterial and viral infections in these episodes. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients recovering from critical illness who have undergone tracheostomy placement.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone tracheostomy or are not recovering from critical illness may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of respiratory infections in critically ill patients, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the microbiome and immune responses in similar patient populations can lead to improved treatment outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zemke, Anna Christine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zemke, Anna Christine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.