NCT03482245 · Washington University School of Medicine
The Role of Circadian Clock Proteins in Innate and Adaptive Immunity
What this study is about
Our data suggest that modulating the characteristics of light carries the potential to modify the host response to injury and critical illness and thus, improve outcome. The ability to modify the host response to the stress of major operations and sepsis carries immense potential to improve patient care.
View original scientific description
Our data suggest that modulating the characteristics of light carries the potential to modify the host response to injury and critical illness and thus, improve outcome. The ability to modify the host response to the stress of major operations and sepsis carries immense potential to improve patient care. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if exposure to bright blue (442nm) enriched light, by comparison to ambient white fluorescent light, reduces the inflammatory response or organ dysfunction in patients undergoing 1) medical treatment for pneumonia, 2) a 2-stage arthroplasty for surgical management of a septic joint, 3) surgery for a necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), and 4) surgery for an intraabdominal infection (e.g., diverticulitis). We will expose participants to one of two (2) lighting conditions: 1) high illuminance (\~1700 lux,), blue (442nm) spectrum enriched light and 2) ambient white fluorescent light that provides the standard environmental lighting (\~300-400 lux, no predominant spectrum) of the hospital. Both cohorts will be exposed to a 12 hours:12 hours light:dark cycle photoperiod. Those subjects assigned to blue light will be asked to shine this small portable blue enriched light on themselves from 0800 to 2000 for 3 days. At the transition from light to dark, the blue-enriched light is turned off, and additional blue wavelength light removed with an amber filter. Thus, the total period of intervention is 72 hours. The outcome of interest is change in the inflammatory response after surgery for appendicitis or diverticulitis as measured by the following parameters: white blood cell count, heart rate, the development of abdominal abscess, serum cytokine concentrations. The outcome of interest is change in the inflammatory response during pneumonia as measured by the following parameters: white blood cell count, heart rate, and serum cytokine concentrations.
Interventions
OTHER
Blue Light
Subjects that are to be exposed to blue light will be provided by the research personnel with a Day-Light Classic 10,000 lumen SAD light, a device that has been used in many of the previously listed published studies (Epilepsy Behav. 2012 Jul;24(3):359-64. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.04.123. Epub 2012 May 30.) The light is small (4 X 16 X 21 inches) and weights less than a pound. It is UV filtered and glare free. There is a single "On/Off" switch. It will be attached to a rolling stand. This light is fitted with a blue spectrum filter (peak 442 nm) such that it produces 1700 Lux of blue spectrum lighting when positioned at a distance of 12 inches from the subject. Those subjects assigned to blue light will be asked to shine this small portable blue enriched light on themselves from 0800 to 2000 for 3 days.
Primary outcome measures
Pneumonia: change in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) bacteria concentration
Time frame: comparing time of randomization and at 72 hours after randomization
quantification of the change in bacterial colony forming units (CFU) in BAL fluid
All groups: change in expression of circadian proteins in circulating immune cells
Time frame: comparing time of randomization and at 72 hours after randomization
quantification of the change in blood white blood cell counts
All Cohorts: change in serum concentrations of circulating inflammatory mediators in the blood
Time frame: comparing time of randomization and at 72 hours after randomization
quantification of change in serum cytokine concentrations
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
- greater than or equal to 18 years of age and less than or equal to 65 years of age
- one of the following diagnoses requiring inpatient hospital care
- an operation for intraabdominal infection
- an operation for necrotizing soft tissue infection
- an operation for an infected joint
- medical treatment of pneumonia.
Exclusion criteria
- traumatic brain injury
- immunocompromised or immunosuppressed state
- infection requiring treatment in preceding 30 days
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
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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 Feb 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations