A health team who help critically ill patients have reached a key milestone in a research study looking at the DNA of people with severe infections.
The critical care research team at The James Cook University Hospital have recruited more than 850 patients in the unit to the GENOMICC study.
The research trial is aiming to find the genes that cause some people to be more poorly than others – something that could help improve how these patients are treated.
This includes for serious issues like sepsis, a life threatening medical emergency when the body has an extreme response to an infection.
Critical care consultant Jeremy Henning, the study’s principal investigator at James Cook, said: “Infections affect millions of people around the world every year – including so many patients we treat in this unit.
“Most cases are mild, but some people become very unwell and are admitted to intensive care.
Our DNA can determine how much critical illness affects us. The study team want to find the genes that cause some people to be more sick. If we do, we may be able to develop better treatments for patients in the future.”
Speaking from the critical care unit, Jess Jones, critical care research nurse, said: “The study has been running now for several years and, over that time, we have been the top recruiting site on several occasions – including being top in June and July this year.
“All it involves is one simple blood test and can potentially make such a difference.
“Patients are often happy to help, getting comfort in knowing they are helping shape and improve healthcare.
“A huge thank to all of our patients who have taken part and to the staff on critical care for supporting us in the delivery of this study.”
The study is also being held in the critical care unit at the nearby University Hospital of North Tees, which is part of a joint research alliance in Teesside as part of the University Hospitals Tees health group.
For more information about the study, visit the online website.