Using blue light to improve immune response in patients with infections
Official title: Light Therapy in Patients Undergoing an Operation for a Septic Joint, Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection, Intraabdominal Sepsis, or Medical Treatment of Pneumonia
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT03482245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if bright blue light can help boost the immune response and improve recovery for patients with infections like pneumonia while they are in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 29, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03482245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who require inpatient treatment for pneumonia, necrotizing soft tissue infections, intraabdominal infections, or infected joints.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with traumatic brain injury, blindness, or those who are immunocompromised may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of bright blue light exposure on the inflammatory response and organ function in patients undergoing treatment for various infections, including pneumonia and necrotizing soft tissue infections. Participants will be exposed to either blue light or standard white fluorescent light during their hospital stay. The goal is to determine if blue light can enhance immune function and improve patient outcomes in critical illness scenarios. The research is based on the premise that circadian rhythms influence immune responses, and light exposure can be therapeutically applied to optimize these responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery and outcomes for patients suffering from severe infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the application of circadian biology in immune response is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in using light modulation for enhancing immune function.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * greater than or equal to 18 years of age and less than or equal to 65 years of age * one of the following diagnoses requiring inpatient hospital care 1. an operation for intraabdominal infection 2. an operation for necrotizing soft tissue infection 3. an operation for an infected joint 4. medical treatment of pneumonia. Exclusion Criteria: * traumatic brain injury * blindness * immunocompromised or immunosuppressed state * infection requiring treatment in preceding 30 days * blindness * SARS-CoV-2
Where it's running
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Barnes Jewish Hospital
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew R Rosengart, MD MPH — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Matthew R Rosengart, MD MPH
- Email: matthew.r@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-362-5298
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.