Obesity has been shown to increase adverse outcomes in some critically ill patients e.g. those with COVID-19. For patients with sepsis this association is less clear cut but there is evidence that body fat distribution, resulting from impaired subcutaneous adipose tissue function, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in critical care. The investigators aim to study subcutaneous adipose tissue function in lean and obese sepsis patients in critical care and compare that to healthy controls. First, the study will investigate differences in adipose tissue function (inflammation and mitochondrial function) related to obesity. Second, the investigators will examine whether lean critically ill patients with sepsis have enhanced adipose tissue inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction compared to lean controls and whether this is further exacerbated by obesity. Patients will be either undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, or will have been admitted to a critical care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis. The investigators will collect blood and adipose tissue biopsies from the patients, and these will be analysed for markers of inflammation and of mitochondrial function. The aim is to better understand the relationship between obesity, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and sepsis. The investigators hope that this may improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis and allow more targeted interventions for patients based on differences in their baseline metabolic state.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Difference in adipocyte cytokine secretion between patients with sepsis, and patients without sepsis, and between SAT and VAT samples
Timeframe: Within 72 hours of admission to ICU