Examining endothelial cells in inflammatory conditions

Characterisation of Endothelial Cells in Different Inflammatory Pathologies

Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06613256

This study looks at how certain cells in the blood change in people with sepsis or after major surgery to see if these changes can help us understand inflammation better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Guildford, Surrey)
Trial IDNCT06613256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize changes in gene expression in endothelial cells from patients with sepsis or those undergoing major abdominal surgery. Researchers will collect endothelial cells using a safe technique involving a metal guidewire inserted into an arm vein. The study will analyze RNA from these cells to identify molecular pathways that are differentially expressed during inflammatory conditions. Additionally, control samples will be obtained from healthy volunteers to compare the findings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are either healthy volunteers, surgical patients undergoing major surgery, or critically ill patients meeting the sepsis 3.0 definition.

Not a fit: Patients with recent major trauma, inflammatory diseases, or those on immunomodulatory medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of inflammatory responses and improve treatment strategies for conditions like sepsis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding endothelial cell behavior in inflammatory conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy volunteer

* Adult ≥ 18 years
* Able and willing to give consent

Surgical patients

* Adult ≥ 18 years
* Patients admitted to RSFT for planned major surgery

Critically ill patients

* Adult ≥ 18 years
* Emergency admission to ICU at RSFT
* Meets the sepsis 3.0 definition

Exclusion Criteria:

Healthy volunteer

* Not currently a patient within the hospital
* Absence of inflammatory diseases and disorders including but not limited to arthritis, peripheral artery disease, vasculitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and CKD.
* Not on immunomodulatory medications, such as corticosteroids
* History of recent major trauma within the last 2 months (e.g., surgery or injury requiring hospitalisation)

Surgical patients

* Patients with restricted liberty, prisoners or under legal protection
* Anticipated prohibitively difficult venous cannulation
* Presenting with inflammatory diseases and disorders including but not limited to arthritis, peripheral artery disease, vasculitis, sepsis, diabetes with end organ damage, cardiovascular disease and CKD
* Currently prescribed immunomodulatory medication or immunocompromised
* Received chemotherapy within 2 weeks of predicted sampling
* Receiving vasopressor support prior to surgery
* History of recent major trauma within the last 2 months (e.g., surgery or injury requiring hospitalisation)

Critically ill patients

* Patients with restricted liberty, prisoners or under legal protection• Anticipated prohibitively difficult venous cannulation
* Presenting with inflammatory diseases and disorders including but not limited to arthritis, peripheral artery disease, vasculitis, diabetes with end organ damage, cardiovascular disease and CKD.
* Currently prescribed immunomodulatory medication or immunocompromised
* Received chemotherapy within 2 weeks of predicted sampling.
* History of recent major trauma within the last 2 months (e.g., surgery or injury requiring hospitalisation)

Where this trial is running

Guildford, Surrey

Study contacts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sepsis, Vasoplegia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.