Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Investigating the Impact of Sepsis Phenotypes on Antibiotic Treatment in Patients With Severe Pneumonia and Sepsis

This study, called SIPRES, is investigating why antibiotics don't work the same way for everyone with severe pneumonia and sepsis. These serious conditions can lead to life-threatening infections. We know that antibiotics need to be at the right level in the body to fight infection effectively, but these levels can vary between people. We're looking at whether differences in a person's immune system reaction to infection affect how well antibiotics work. By understanding this, we hope to develop more personalized antibiotic treatments, which could help patients recover faster, prevent antibiotic resistance, and make better use of our medicines.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

119

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Respiration Disorders Respiratory Failure Sepsis Infection in ICU Pneumonia

What is this study about?

Severe pneumonia and sepsis are very serious infections that can make people extremely unwell, sometimes needing intensive care. In the UK, pneumonia sadly causes many deaths each year. Doctors use strong antibiotics, given as injections, to fight these life-threatening infections. These antibiotics travel around the body to target the infection, but they're also broken down and removed from the body.

The problem is, antibiotics don't always work consistently for everyone. This can happen if the antibiotic levels in the blood aren't right – too low, and the infection might not clear, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance. We believe that how a person's immune system reacts to an infection might play a big part in how their body handles these antibiotics. The SIPRES Study aims to explore this connection.

Our goal is to understand if different immune system responses in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis explain why antibiotic levels vary. By doing this, we hope to find better ways to give antibiotics so that each patient gets the right amount for them. This could mean patients recover faster, stay in hospital for less time, and help us tackle the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve antibiotic treatment for severe pneumonia and sepsis.
It investigates how immune system reactions affect antibiotic levels in the body.
Participation involves providing extra blood samples during your standard care.
The goal is to develop more personalised antibiotic dosing.
Better antibiotic use could help patients recover faster and reduce antibiotic resistance.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are in the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe pneumonia or another serious chest infection. They must be needing support for at least one organ, like a breathing machine, and be treated with a common antibiotic called piperacillin/tazobactam as part of their usual care.

You wouldn't be able to join if your doctors believe you are unlikely to survive for the next 24 hours. Also, if you've already been receiving the study antibiotic for more than 24 hours before the study team approaches you, you won't be able to take part.

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 in intensive care for a severe chest infection or pneumonia?
Are you receiving support for at least one organ (e.g., breathing machine)?
Are you being treated with the antibiotic piperacillin/tazobactam?
Have you started this antibiotic less than 24 hours ago?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study team will observe your progress, including how quickly you get better and how long you need to stay in hospital or ICU. We will also collect blood samples at two different times during your treatment. These blood samples will help us measure the levels of antibiotics in your body and understand how your immune system is reacting to the infection. There will be no extra medication or procedures beyond your usual care. The total duration of your participation will be for the time you are receiving treatment and recovering in hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help future patients with similar conditions by improving our understanding of antibiotic treatment. You will receive standard medical care, and there are no direct personal benefits from taking part. The main risk involves the collection of extra blood samples, which carry a small risk of bruising or discomfort, similar to any routine blood test. Your decision to participate is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

The University of Manchester
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overreacts and starts to damage your own tissues and organs. It needs urgent medical attention.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is when germs like bacteria change over time and stop responding to medicines. This means infections become harder to treat, leading to more serious illness and sometimes death.

Will taking part change my treatment?

No, you will receive the same standard treatment your doctors would normally give you for your condition. The study mainly involves collecting information and blood samples to understand how your body responds to treatment.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and medical data will be kept confidential and handled with the strictest privacy, following all data protection laws.

How will the study results be used?

The results will help doctors understand how to give antibiotics more effectively to patients with severe infections. This could lead to more personalised treatments in the future, aiming to improve recovery and fight antibiotic resistance.

How to find out more

Jan Hansel, MD MRes

jan.hansel@manchester.ac.uk +44 161 275 1319 Official trial record

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