MuScle WastIng and DysphaGia iN CriticAlly IlL Patients (SIGNAL)
This research, called SIGNAL, is about understanding why many seriously ill adults in intensive care units (ICU) have difficulty swallowing. We know that being critically ill can cause muscles to weaken, including those in the mouth and throat. This study will measure how these muscles change over time and how that affects a person's ability to swallow safely. Researchers will compare critically ill patients with other hospital patients to see if muscle weakness is directly linked to swallowing problems. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose and treat these issues, helping critically ill patients recover faster and more safely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is very unwell and receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU), their body goes through many changes. One common problem is that muscles can become weaker and waste away, not just in their arms and legs, but also in important areas like their mouth and throat. This can make it difficult to swallow food and drinks safely, a problem doctors call dysphagia.
This study, called SIGNAL, aims to carefully investigate this issue. Researchers want to understand exactly how much and how quickly the muscles used for swallowing – around the mouth and in the neck – weaken in critically ill adults. They will also look at how this muscle weakness might directly lead to problems with swallowing. By comparing critically ill patients with other patients who are not as unwell, the team hopes to get a clearer picture of this connection.
Ultimately, the information gathered from this study could be really important. It might help doctors and nurses better understand why some critically ill patients struggle to swallow, leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatments. This could mean safer eating and drinking for patients, which is a big step towards a healthier and quicker recovery from their illness.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates swallowing problems in critically ill adults.
- It measures mouth and throat muscle changes using safe methods like ultrasound.
- The goal is to understand how muscle weakness affects swallowing.
- Findings could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for future patients.
- Participation is voluntary and involves observation, not new treatments.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or over.
For those in intensive care, you must be receiving breathing support (like a ventilator) and be expected to need it for at least three days, as well as being likely to stay in the ICU for more than seven days. For comparison, the study also includes adults who are in a regular hospital ward but not in intensive care, provided they are expected to recover from their stay.
You would not be able to join if you are pregnant, or if you have a known problem with your muscles, brain, or nervous system (like a stroke or motor neurone disease), or if you've had surgery or radiotherapy to your head or neck.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently receiving breathing support in intensive care, or are you on a general hospital ward?
- Do you expect to stay in ICU for more than 7 days (if applicable)?
- Do you have a pre-existing muscle, brain, or serious nervous system condition?
- Have you had recent surgery or radiotherapy to your head or neck?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study team will measure the size and strength of your mouth and throat muscles at four different times during your stay in intensive care and then in the hospital. These measurements will use a special handheld scanner, much like an ultrasound scan that's used during pregnancy, which is painless and takes place right at your bedside.
They will also do some tests to check how well you can swallow and how safely you can do it. You'll have the strength of your tongue measured, and you'll be asked some questions about your own experiences with swallowing and eating. The research team will explain everything clearly, and you can ask questions at any time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal London HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'dysphagia'?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing.
Why is muscle wasting a problem in critical illness?
Being very ill can cause your body to break down muscle quickly, leading to weakness and problems with everyday actions, including swallowing.
Will this study involve any new medicines?
No, this is an observational study, meaning it just looks at what's already happening; it doesn't test new treatments or medicines.
What is an ultrasound measurement?
It's a safe, painless scan similar to one used for babies, which lets doctors look at your muscles inside your body.
Can I stop being part of the study once I've started?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.