NCT06899087 · University of Minnesota
DEciphering CIrculating SIgnatures Of Infected Pancreatic Necrosis
What this study is about
The purpose of the study is to identify novel blood-based biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal hospital admissions, accounting for over 300,000 emergency department visits annually and imposing a significant socio-economic burden.
View original scientific description
The purpose of the study is to identify novel blood-based biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal hospital admissions, accounting for over 300,000 emergency department visits annually and imposing a significant socio-economic burden. It is an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreas characterized by damage to the acinar cells, which triggers an inflammatory response and causes widespread systemic damage. In about 20% of cases, the disease progresses to necrotizing pancreatitis (NP), a severe form characterized by tissue necrosis. NP poses serious health risks, especially when the necrotic tissue becomes infected, leading to infected (peri-)pancreatic necrosis (IPN), which is associated with secondary organ failure (OF), sepsis, and mortality rates as high as 40%. While patients with sterile (peri-)pancreatic necrosis (SPN) can often be managed conservatively, those with IPN typically require antibiotics and therapeutic interventions such as endoscopic drainage or surgery. Timely recognition and treatment of IPN are crucial for improving patient outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods based on clinical symptoms and routine lab markers lack the specificity to reliably distinguish SPN from IPN in the early stages. Furthermore, while multifactorial scoring systems like Ranson, Imrie, and APACHE II predict necrosis and overall severity in AP, they are not accurate for identifying IPN or predicting mortality in NP. The diagnostic gap delays appropriate treatment, allowing the infection to advance and limiting available therapeutic options. The growing incidence and significant impact of AP and NP in the general population underscore the urgent need to better understand IPN pathophysiology and to develop specific diagnostic biomarkers that can improve prognosis, guide therapeutic decisions, and enhance patient outcomes.
Interventions
OTHER
not interventional
This is an observational study
Primary outcome measures
Understand immune-metabolic dynamics in NP
Time frame: 3 months
by assessing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and plasma metabolites
Identify novel biomarkers
Time frame: 3 months
Using venous blood samples
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged \>18 years.
- Diagnosis of NP based on CECT.
Exclusion criteria
- recurrent AP
- pancreatic cancer
- pregnancy, lactation
- solid organ transplant
- immunodeficiency disorders like AIDS.
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations