Novel test for complications of pneumonia

Wednesday October 2nd, 2019

A new test has been developed to identify pneumonia patients who may be at risk of respiratory failure or sepsis, it was announced today.

Dr Francisco Sanz of the University of Valencia, Spain, and colleagues created the test using clinical data and blood samples from 169 patients with community-acquired pneumonia. From this the team isolated fragments of genetic material that play a role in the development of respiratory failure and sepsis.

They believe the test will enable doctors to quickly identify these biological markers on admission to hospital with pneumonia. Consequently, complications can be anticipated and more intensive support and monitoring provided.

Dr Sanz explains: “The worst complications of pneumonia are the development of respiratory failure and sepsis, which is when the infection spreads via the blood stream to the rest of the body.

“There are small molecules called microRNAs, which are fragments of genetic material that regulate how genes behave. We have found that for each type of complication – respiratory failure or sepsis – there is a specific microRNA involved.”

The test uses real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques on blood samples to highlight three microRNAs known to be involved in lung and systemic inflammatory processes and accurate predictors of sepsis or respiratory failure.

In the research, 64.5% of the patients developed complications - 25.4% developed respiratory failure and 13.6% severe sepsis.

Between them, the three microRNA 223 predicted the onset of sepsis with up to 83% accuracy.

“The test is fast – it takes between one and three hours – and cheap, and it can be performed with techniques that are available in most hospitals,” Dr Sanz said.

Findings are presented today (2 October) at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Madrid, Spain.

Tags: Europe | Genetics | Pharmaceuticals | Respiratory

Printer friendly page