Understanding how white blood cells affect lung inflammation in patients on ventilators

Macrophage Programing in Acute Lung Injury

NA · National Jewish Health · NCT05767671

This study is trying to see how a type of white blood cell affects lung inflammation in adults on ventilators, especially those with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, to help improve treatments for lung injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Jewish Health (other)
Locations1 site (Denver, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05767671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational clinical trial aims to investigate the role of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, in lung inflammation among patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The study will compare macrophages from ARDS patients to those from individuals with healthy lungs to understand how the immune system responds to different lung injuries. Additionally, it will explore whether more frequent testing of lung cell samples can expedite treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Participants will be adults on mechanical ventilation in the ICU, either due to ARDS or other conditions. The study involves collecting lung fluid samples and nasal brushes for analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 who are on mechanical ventilation in the ICU due to ARDS or other conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, severe bleeding risks, or those with advanced directives indicating Do Not Intubate status may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatments for ARDS and improve outcomes for patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies investigating macrophage roles in lung inflammation have shown promise in understanding ARDS.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent (by LAR if subject unconscious or has altered mental status) prior to any study procedures. Verbal consent may be used as necessary
* Adults greater than 18 years of age
* Admission to the intensive care unit.
* Orally/nasally intubated or expected to be intubated within 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of solid organ or bone marrow transplantation
* Severe or massive hemoptysis
* At significant risk for bleeding (INR \> 3 or PTT \> 3x normal)
* Presence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax on recent imaging
* Presence of an advanced directive with Do Not Intubate (DNI) status (Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) is acceptable)
* Morbid state or expected to survive less than 24 hours because of an advanced co-morbid medical condition in the opinion of the PI and/or clinical team and attending physician.
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Denver, Colorado

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: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

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.