Clinical Research Directory

Long-Term Outcomes and Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: Investigating the Associations Between Metabolic Signatures and Physical Functioning in Critically Ill Patients

Despite being young, healthy, and physically fit, some intensive care unit (ICU) patients experience significantly worse functional recovery after critical illness than older patients with multiple comorbidities although a poor precondition seems to be associated with worse ICU outcomes. This paradox highlights a fundamental gap in our understanding of the determinants of long-term recovery. While nonmodifiable factors such as age and pre-existing disease explain part of the variation, they cannot fully account for the wide heterogeneity in outcomes. Metabolic disturbances during critical illness, such as hypercatabolism, impaired muscle metabolism, nutritional deficits, systemic inflammation, and disruption of gut health, are likely to influence recovery trajectories, yet remain poorly characterized. Because these processes represent potentially modifiable targets, combining their evaluation with nonmodifiable patient characteristics is essential for unraveling the complex, multifactorial mechanisms underlying post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This explorative, prospective, observational study aims to investigate the associations between metabolic signatures during the acute phase of critical illness and PICS outcomes throughout the recovery trajectory of ICU survivors, with a primary focus on physical functioning. In addition, the study explores the longitudinal course of metabolic parameters from ICU admission up to 12 months post-discharge, and whether these signatures can help identify distinct recovery phenotypes. Participants will be followed for 12 months, with study assessments at ICU admission, ICU discharge, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-ICU admission.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Associated Symptom Burden Among Danish ICU Survivors

The study aims to estimate the prevalence of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) 12 months after ICU admission among adult ICU survivors in Denmark and to describe how this prevalence is distributed across the physical, cognitive, and mental health domains. By conducting follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge, the study further seeks to determine the prevalence of PICS at each time point, characterise its temporal trajectory, and explore patients' symptom burden over time. Research question * What is the prevalence of PICS and its specific components (physical, cognitive, and mental health domains) among ICU survivors 12 months after ICU admission? * How do the components of PICS evolve during the follow-up period (trajectory)? * What risk factors are associated with the development of PICS in ICU survivors? * Are there differences in PICS prevalence based on demographic or clinical characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities, ICU length of stay)? The hypothesis is that the prevalence of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in a Danish cohort of adult ICU survivors at 12 months will be approximately one third, defined as impairment in at least one of the three PICS domains (physical, cognitive, or mental health), measured using validated instruments with pre-specified cut-offs.

I-WEAR: Evaluating Wearables and Health Summaries in ICU Survivors

This pilot study investigates the use of wearable health technology and bi-weekly digital health summaries in patients recovering from intensive care. Many patients experience physical, psychological, and cognitive challenges after an ICU stay, a condition known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and usability of wearable devices-such as smartwatches, blood pressure monitors, and smart scales-for tracking recovery in real-world settings. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard ICU follow-up care, wearable use only, or wearable use combined with bi-weekly health reports and optional lifestyle consultations. The study will assess participants' quality of life, experience using the technology, and adherence over a 6-month period. Results will inform the future use of digital tools in post-ICU care.

ICU Biobank: Understanding Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

The goal of this observational study is to explore the development and progression of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in adult ICU patients by establishing a biobank of biological samples and outcome data. This biobank-based research is designed to investigate the physical, cognitive, and psychological health outcomes of ICU survivors and their relationship with potential biomarkers. The study population includes adult ICU patients aged 18-65, who have stayed in the ICU for at least 48 hours. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the incidence of PICS and its main components? What risk factors are associated with the development of PICS six months post-ICU discharge? What are the long-term effects of ICU admission on quality of life, cognitive health, and physical function? Participants will: Provide blood samples during ICU admission and at follow-up visits at 4-5 weeks, 6 months, and 10-12 months after discharge. Complete assessments measuring quality of life, cognitive health, anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, physical function, and pulmonary function. Participate in three follow-up visits at the ICU Recovery Clinic after discharge to monitor PICS symptoms and recovery progress. This study does not involve an intervention but will gather data that could improve our understanding of PICS and inform strategies for post-ICU care. The data collected will be crucial for identifying PICS biomarkers and will contribute to developing targeted, personalized interventions for ICU survivors in the future.

MONITOR-IC: Determining and Improving Long-term Consequences of ICU Care

Due to advances in critical care medicine, more patients survive their critical illness. However, intensive care unit (ICU) survivors often experience long-term physical, cognitive and mental problems, summarized as post intensive care syndrome (PICS), impacting their health related quality of life (HRQoL). The aims of this study are to study the: 1) long-term outcomes, 2) predictors for PICS, 3) prediction of long-term HRQoL, 4) ratio between HRQoL of ICU-survivors and healthcare related costs, and 5) effects on the long-term of interventions