Capillary Leak Index to predict outcomes after postoperative abdominal sepsis

Capillary Leak Index Versus Conventional Biomarkers in Predicting Sepsis-Related Outcomes

Observational Benha University · NCT07232342

This test checks whether the Capillary Leak Index predicts 28-day outcomes better than standard blood markers for adults in the ICU after postoperative abdominal sepsis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBenha University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Banhā, Qalyubia Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07232342 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center observational cohort of adults with postoperative secondary peritonitis requiring ICU admission who meet Sepsis-3 criteria. Researchers will compare the Capillary Leak Index to conventional biomarkers collected early in the ICU course to see which better predicts 28-day mortality and other clinical outcomes. Patients with advanced liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, primary/tertiary peritonitis, or severe immunosuppression are excluded. All enrolled patients will be treated at Benha University Hospital and followed during their ICU stay and for 28 days post-enrollment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with postoperative secondary peritonitis admitted to the ICU who meet Sepsis-3 criteria and are expected to stay in the ICU at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have advanced liver (Child-Pugh B/C) or advanced kidney disease (CKD stage 4–5) or on chronic dialysis, have primary/tertiary peritonitis, are immunocompromised, or are expected to die within 48 hours are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this test.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the Capillary Leak Index could help clinicians identify high-risk patients earlier and guide more targeted monitoring or treatment to reduce complications and deaths.

How similar studies have performed: Prior observational work using capillary leak–related measures (for example CRP/albumin ratios and related indices) has shown promising associations with sepsis severity and mortality, but the approach remains relatively novel and not yet standard practice.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age ≥ 18 years.

Postoperative secondary peritonitis requiring ICU admission, with clinical evidence of:

Diffuse or localized abdominal pain/tenderness. Peritoneal signs (e.g., guarding, rigidity, rebound tenderness). Imaging or intraoperative confirmation of purulent/exudative intra-abdominal fluid.

Systemic inflammation (e.g., fever, leukocytosis, or vasopressor requirement). Sepsis diagnosis per Sepsis-3 criteria: Suspected/confirmed infection with acute increase in SOFA score ≥2 points (6).

Anticipated ICU stay ≥48 hours postoperatively.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy

  * Advanced liver disease (Child-Pugh class B or C) that might independently affect albumin levels
  * Advanced kidney disease (CKD stage 4 or 5) or patients on chronic dialysis
  * Expected mortality within 48 hours of ICU admission
  * Patients with primary peritonitis or tertiary peritonitis
  * Immunocompromised patients (e.g., on chronic immunosuppressive therapy, solid organ transplant recipients, patients with HIV and CD4 count \<200/mm³)
  * Patients with pre-existing systemic inflammatory diseases that might affect baseline CRP levels
  * Patients participating in interventional trials that might affect outcomes

Where this trial is running

Banhā, Qalyubia Governorate

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Peritonitis InfectiousPeritonitisCapillary Leak IndexConventional BiomarkersCritically Ill Patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.