RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Barts Endocarditis Research Registry

The Barts Endocarditis Research Registry is gathering information about people with infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection, who are treated at Barts Heart Centre. Researchers want to learn more about who gets this infection, how it's currently diagnosed using scans, and if existing guidelines are making a difference in recovery. By collecting this detailed information, they hope to improve future diagnosis and treatment for patients. This registry will also be used to help plan new studies, including research into genetics and new treatments for endocarditis. The ultimate aim is to provide the best possible care for patients with this condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

24 Apr 2019

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2029

Infective Endocarditis Endocarditis Endocarditis, Bacterial

What is this study about?

Infective endocarditis is a rare but serious infection of the heart lining or valves. Despite medical advances, it can still be very dangerous, and unfortunately, many people don't recover. Doctors at Barts Heart Centre have noticed an increase in patients with this condition and want to make sure they are providing the best possible care.

To achieve this, they've set up a special registry, which is like a secure database, to collect detailed information about patients treated for infective endocarditis. This includes things like their health profile, any germs causing the infection, operations they've had, and how they recovered. By looking at all this information together, doctors hope to get a clearer picture of the condition in their patients and understand which treatments work best.

This registry isn't just about understanding the past; it's also about shaping the future. The information gathered will be a foundation for many future research projects. This could involve looking at new imaging methods, understanding how infections affect different people, and even developing new medications. The ultimate goal is to improve how infective endocarditis is diagnosed and managed, leading to better outcomes for everyone affected.

Key takeaways

Studies a serious heart infection called infective endocarditis.
Collects existing medical record information, no extra tests or appointments.
Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for future patients.
You must be 16 or over and treated at Barts Heart Centre for endocarditis.
Participation is voluntary and has no medical risks.
Your data will be kept confidential and used for research purposes.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this registry, you need to be at least 16 years old. You must also be a patient who has been diagnosed with infective endocarditis, either confirmed or highly suspected, and have been treated at Barts Heart Centre, or are attending outpatient appointments there.

This includes patients who have already completed their treatment for endocarditis, as well as those whose infection is related to a heart device, like a pacemaker. Importantly, you must be able to understand and agree to take part in the study yourself.

You would not be included if your infection is only in the area where a pacemaker is fitted, with no sign of the infection spreading to the pacemaker wires or heart valves. Also, if you don't wish to take part or if the doctors decide your case isn't suitable for this particular registry, you wouldn't be included.

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 16 years old or older?
Have you been treated for confirmed or suspected endocarditis at Barts Heart Centre?
Are you able to understand and give permission to take part?
Is your infection NOT just in a pacemaker pocket without affecting the heart wires or valves?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, your participation will not involve any extra appointments, tests, or treatments. This study is a 'registry,' which means researchers will simply collect information from your existing medical records regarding your infective endocarditis. This includes your health details, the specific infection, any surgeries you had, and how you recovered. There are no new medications to take or follow-up visits specifically for the study. Your involvement continues for as long as your data is useful for the research, but it doesn't add anything to your usual medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal medical benefits from taking part in this registry, as no new treatments or tests are involved. However, the information gathered could help improve understanding and treatment of infective endocarditis for future patients. There are no medical risks associated with participating, as it only involves collecting existing medical data. Your privacy is protected, and all your information will be kept confidential. You are free to withdraw your consent to be included in the registry at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

St Bartholomews Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is infective endocarditis?

It's a serious infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.

What is a 'registry' study?

It's a study where researchers collect information from existing medical records to learn more about a condition or treatment, without you doing anything extra.

Will I need to do anything extra if I join?

No, your participation won't involve any additional visits, tests, or changes to your treatment.

How will my information be used?

Your anonymised information will help researchers understand infective endocarditis better and improve future care for patients.

Can I change my mind about taking part?

Yes, you can withdraw your consent at any time without it affecting your medical treatment.

How to find out more

Innocent Bvekerwa, MSc

i.bvekerwa@nhs.net 07852209005 Official trial record

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