This is a prospective observational study involving adult patients with severe infection who are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Severe infection and sepsis are major causes of death worldwide. Many patients experience uncontrolled inflammation or immune suppression, but current tests are limited in identifying which patients are at highest risk.
This study focuses on specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a group of naturally occurring lipid molecules that help the body turn off inflammation and promote healing. Blood samples that are collected during routine clinical care will be used to measure levels of SPMs. No additional blood draws or experimental treatments will be performed.
The purpose of this study is to understand how SPM levels change over time in patients with severe infection and how these changes relate to organ function and outcomes such as survival. By combining SPM measurements with routine laboratory results, immune cell counts, and imaging findings, the study aims to identify different clinical phenotypes and to develop tools that may help doctors recognize high-risk patients earlier in the future.
All participants will receive standard medical care determined by their treating physicians. No experimental drugs or interventions are given as part of this study.
Age ≥ 18 years
Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)
Diagnosis of severe infection or sepsis, as determined by the treating physician according to current clinical criteria
Ability to obtain blood samples as part of routine clinical care within 24-48 hours after ICU admission
Known pregnancy
Known immunosuppressive disease (e.g., hematologic malignancy, advanced HIV infection)
Use of long-term immunosuppressive therapy or systemic corticosteroids prior to ICU admission
Pre-existing end-stage disease with expected survival < 28 days (e.g., end-stage cancer receiving palliative care)