Genetic Determinants of Persistent Lactic Acidosis in Major Burn Patients: A Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach

Studying Genes in Burn Patients with High Lactic Acid

F
Faith Zor

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 100 years
All
Phase N/A
30 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to find out whether certain genetic differences may explain why some severely burned patients continue to have high lactic acid levels in their blood even after receiving proper medical treatment. We will collect a small blood sample from each patient and analyze their DNA to look for gene variations related to how the body produces energy. Understanding this may help doctors better predict which patients are at higher risk and develop more personalized treatments in the future.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Burn patients with TBSA equal to or greater than 20% will be identified by burn unit team on the burn service, this is comprised of attending, APPs, and fellow. Patients with TBSA of 20% or greater will have the resuscitation protocol activated, and resuscitation will be followed with serial lactate. Response to resuscitation will be assessed with multiple parameters, including lactate, urine output, and overall clinical status. Once these patients are identified, they will be approached by the team, and the research study will be discussed with them. If they are intubated or not in a state to provide consent due to critical clinical condition, the study will be discussed with LAR who will sign on patient's behalf. This will be done in person.

Detailed description of study

After informed consent, the only research procedure is obtaining blood for whole-genome sequencing. This blood will be obtained during standard blood draws obtained for clinical management and will not require a separate venipuncture. Research procedures will occur entirely within the Burn Intensive Care Unit.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Thermal or flame burn injury, TBSA
  • Age: 18 years - 100 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:

Adults aged 18 years or older.
Thermal or flame burn injury ≥20% TBSA.
Admission to the Burn Intensive Care Unit.
Completion of initial resuscitation using the standard burn protocol.
Availability of serial lactate measurements during the first 24–48 hours.

Exclusion criteria:
Electrical or chemical burns, or isolated inhalation injury without significant cutaneous burns.
Known inborn errors of metabolism or diagnosed mitochondrial disorders.
Pregnancy, due to altered lactate physiology.
Patients who die or are withdrawn from care before lactate data can be collected.

This study investigates genetic factors that may cause some severely burned patients to have high levels of lactic acid in their blood. Lactic acid is a substance that builds up in the blood when the body does not have enough oxygen to break down glucose for energy. The purpose of this study is to understand why this happens in some patients even after they receive proper medical care.

In this study, a small blood sample will be taken from each participant to analyze their DNA. This process is called whole-genome sequencing. The blood sample will be collected during regular blood draws, so no extra needle sticks are needed. The research will take place entirely in the Burn Intensive Care Unit.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 18 years or older with thermal or flame burn injuries covering 20% or more of their body surface area can participate. Participants must be admitted to the Burn Intensive Care Unit and have completed initial resuscitation with serial lactate measurements available.
  • Study details: Participants will provide a blood sample for whole-genome sequencing, which will be collected during routine blood draws. This study is observational and will not alter the participants' treatment. An observational study is a type of research study where data is collected by observing participants receiving routine care, without changing their treatment, which may focus on people using specific medications or having certain conditions to better understand how treatments work.
Updated on 23 Jun 2026. Study ID: SURG-IIR-29655, 29655
Please visit our main page to search for other studies you may be interested in. If you need help finding a study or have any questions, please contact us at inhealth@iu.edu

Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only