Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Association Between Muscle L3 CT Scan Muscle Derived Parameters of Muscle Function Upon Intensive Care Unit Admission and 3 Months Mortality After ICU Discharge for Patients Admitted for Septic Shock. The SIMS Study

This study, called SIMS, is looking into how muscle health affects recovery in people admitted to intensive care for a very serious infection called septic shock. When you're critically ill, your body can break down muscle quickly. This study uses a special measurement from a CT scan of a person's tummy when they first arrive in intensive care. Scientists want to see if how much muscle you have and how healthy it is can predict your chances of surviving three months after leaving intensive care. Understanding this could help doctors identify patients who might need extra support to protect their muscles during critical illness.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrolment target

196

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2030

Septic Shock

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell with a severe infection that leads to 'septic shock' and need to go into intensive care, their bodies can suffer a lot of stress. This stress can cause muscles to weaken or waste away quite quickly. This muscle problem is known to make recovery harder and can sometimes affect whether someone survives.

Doctors are always looking for ways to better understand who might be at higher risk of complications and how to help people recover better. It's usually very difficult to properly check muscle function in intensive care because patients might be asleep due to medication or not fully aware of what's happening around them.

This study is looking at whether a standard CT scan, which many patients already have, can give us important clues about their muscle health. Specifically, it examines the muscles around the tummy area (at the L3 level). By looking at these CT scans taken around the time of admission, researchers hope to see if there's a link between muscle health and a patient's chances of survival three months after leaving intensive care. This information could eventually help doctors provide more targeted care for patients with septic shock.

Key takeaways

The SIMS study investigates critical illness and muscle health.
It uses existing CT scans to understand muscle condition.
Aims to predict recovery chances three months after intensive care.
Looks at patients admitted for severe infection (septic shock).
May help improve future care for critically ill patients.
No new tests or treatments are involved for participants.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been admitted to intensive care because of septic shock. This means they have a serious infection, a high level of lactate in their blood, and their health has worsened significantly.

To be considered, participants must have had a CT scan of their tummy area shortly before admission, or within 24 hours of being admitted to intensive care. You also need to be eligible for or affiliated with the UK's social security system.

You won't be able to join the study if you already have a muscle-related medical condition before going into intensive care, if you are pregnant, or if you are under legal guardianship. Also, if you or your legal representative don't want to take part, you won'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 18 years old or older?
Were you admitted to intensive care for a severe infection (septic shock)?
Did you have a CT scan of your tummy area around the time of admission?
Do you not have a pre-existing muscle disease or are not pregnant?
Are you able to agree to take part, or is your legal representative able to do so?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study aims to understand if an existing CT scan can provide useful information for your recovery. You won't receive extra tests or interventions specifically for this study. Researchers will look at a CT scan that has already been, or will be, performed as part of your standard medical care due to your septic shock. They will also look at your medical records to assess your health and recovery over three months after you leave intensive care. There are no additional hospital visits or procedures required for this specific study. Your involvement would not change your ongoing medical treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to participating in this study as it involves looking at existing medical scan results and records, not carrying out new tests or treatments. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help doctors in the future to better identify patients who might need extra support during and after septic shock. This could lead to improved care for others. You are free to withdraw your consent to take part at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Hospices Civils de Lyon
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
Clinique Mutualiste
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France

Common questions

What is septic shock?

Septic shock is a very serious and life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, leading to dangerously low blood pressure and organ damage.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan (Computed Tomography) uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of your body, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, participating in this study will not change the medical treatment you receive. Your care will continue as usual based on your doctors' decisions.

Who will see my information?

Your medical information will be kept confidential and anonymised where possible. Only authorised researchers involved in the study will have access to your data.

What does a 'muscle derived parameter' mean?

For this study, it simply means specific measurements taken from your CT scan that help researchers assess the amount and health of your muscles.

How to find out more

Nory Elhadjene, MD

nory.elhadjene@gmail.com (0)4.77.82.97.43 Official trial record

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