New sepsis study launched | News

Doctors at Royal Surrey are set to launch a study aimed at improving understanding of sepsis, a condition responsible for around 200,000 deaths nationwide each year. 

The DYNAMICS Trial will investigate the mechanisms that cause immunosuppression in sepsis patients, which in some cases can last for years.  

The study is being led by Intensive Care doctors, Professor Ben Creagh-Brown and Dr Tahir Nasser. They plan to recruit around 100 sepsis patients from across the hospital over the coming months. 

Sepsis is a serious complication of infection that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts, potentially leading to multiple organ failure and death without rapid treatment. 

Immunosuppression is a recognised long‑term consequence, leaving survivors more vulnerable to recurrent infections, some of which can be fatal. 

Dr Nasser said: “Thanks to better recognition and treatment of sepsis, survival is improving. As a result, we are seeing more sepsis survivors. They often have an exhausted immune system and are at risk of developing further infections. If we can identify the molecular mechanisms underpinning this, we may be able to restore their immunity"

The study launched at Royal Surrey this week and will run until early May.