Optical Real-Time Measurement Device of Microcirculation in Peripheral Body Parts for Sepsis/Septic Shock Patients

Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to infection (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi etc.). Sepsis can lead to septic shock with circulatory, cellular and metabolic dysfunction, and reduction of tissue perfusion, that is associated with higher mortality. Sepsis is a global health threat. According to world health organization (WHO) mortality is estimated to be 42% in intensive care patients treated for sepsis. According to sepsis/septic shock guidelines patients with septic shock require aggressive fluid and vasopressor therapy to maintain systemic hemodynamics and achieve adequate tissue oxygenation. Guidance of such therapy is based on monitoring lactate levels and systemic hemodynamics, which is insufficient.

This multidisciplinary project aims at the development of an optical multispectral real-time measurement device of microcirculation in peripheral body parts for septic shock patients during fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy. The grant will be executed jointly by the Rīga Stradiņš University and Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, thus combining the necessary skills in optical measurements, prototyping and medical approaches, patient monitoring and data collection. The measurement device will be easily attachable, modifiable and relatively low cost, however, will ensure a very important monitoring process in a non-invasive way.