RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Novel Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis

This study uses new wearable sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to try and detect chest infections (called 'acute pulmonary exacerbations' or APEs) earlier in adults with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. Participants will wear these sensors while they are being treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a chest infection. The sensors will measure things like heart rate and breathing rate. The main aim is to see how these sensor measurements change from the start to the end of the antibiotic treatment. There are no extra hospital visits needed for this study. By understanding how these sensors pick up body changes, researchers hope to find new ways to prevent chest infections from getting severe.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

30 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)Bronchiectasis Adult

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new technology to help people with cystic fibrosis (CF) or bronchiectasis. Both conditions can cause frequent chest infections, which doctors call 'acute pulmonary exacerbations' (APEs). These infections can make you feel very unwell and, over time, can cause more damage to your lungs, making your condition worse and possibly shortening your life. Currently, it can be hard to spot these infections really early, and by the time you notice symptoms, they might already be quite serious.

The researchers want to see if new types of sensors, which you might wear on your body (similar to a smartwatch), and computer programs that can learn (called Artificial Intelligence or AI), can help detect these chest infections sooner. Imagine if a sensor could pick up small changes in your body, like your heart rate or breathing, that signal an infection is starting, even before you feel very poorly. This could mean you get treatment earlier, potentially preventing more severe illness.

To find this out, the study will involve adults with CF or bronchiectasis who are starting a course of IV antibiotics for a chest infection. While undergoing treatment, participants will use these sensors. The researchers will then check if the sensor readings change from when you start your treatment to when you finish it. This will help them understand if these sensors are good at tracking how your body responds to a chest infection and if they could eventually be used to give an early warning.

Key takeaways

This study uses new sensors and AI to try and spot chest infections earlier.
It's for adults with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis on IV antibiotics.
You'll wear sensors to measure body changes like heart rate and breathing.
No new medicines or treatments are given in this study.
There are no extra hospital visits required.
Your participation could help improve future care for these conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and already be under the care of Royal Papworth Hospital. You must have a confirmed diagnosis of either cystic fibrosis (diagnosed by genetic tests or a sweat test) or bronchiectasis (confirmed by a CT scan).

You must be starting a course of intravenous (IV) antibiotics because you have a chest infection (what doctors call an 'acute pulmonary exacerbation'). This means you can't be joining the study if you're having antibiotics just as a routine treatment without an active infection.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had a lung transplant or are on the waiting list for one, or if you use long-term oxygen or a breathing machine at home. You also need to be able to give your consent (permission) in writing to be part of the study, and you must agree for your home monitoring data to be used anonymously for research.

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 cared for by Royal Papworth Hospital?
Do you have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis?
Are you starting IV antibiotics for a chest infection (not just for routine treatment)?
Are you able to agree to take part in writing?
Have you not had a lung transplant or are you not on the waiting list for one?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, this is an 'observational study', which means you won't be given any new medicines or treatments. Instead, the researchers will be observing you by using the new sensors. You'll need to wear these sensors while you are receiving your intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a chest infection, which usually lasts about two weeks. The sensors will measure things like your heart rate and breathing.

The main thing the study looks at is how these sensor measurements change between the beginning and the end of your antibiotic treatment. There are no extra hospital visits required for this study beyond your usual appointments. The total duration of your active participation would be for the period you are on IV antibiotics, typically around two weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of joining this study is that it helps researchers understand if new sensor technologies can detect chest infections earlier. This could lead to better ways of managing conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis in the future. As this is an observational study, there are very few direct risks associated with simply wearing the sensors; they won't interfere with your current medical care. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'acute pulmonary exacerbation'?

It's a medical term for a sudden worsening of chest symptoms, like an infection, in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis.

Do I need to change my medication if I join the study?

No, this study doesn't involve giving you new medications or changing your current treatment. You'll continue with your usual care.

How long will I be in the study for?

You'll be part of the study for about two weeks, which is usually how long people receive IV antibiotics for a chest infection.

Will the sensors hurt or be uncomfortable?

The sensors are designed to be comfortable to wear, similar to a fitness tracker, and shouldn't cause any pain.

Do I have to go to extra appointments for this study?

No, there are no extra follow-up visits required for this study beyond your standard medical care.

How to find out more

Lucy E Gale

lucy.gale1@nhs.net +44 1223 638000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.