Summary I-PACE study
Background
Quickly determining the causal diagnosis in patients with neurological infections can be very challenging for the treating physician. Among patients suspected of having a neurological infection, the diagnosis is confirmed in only one-third of cases. Distinguishing between an actual central nervous system (CNS) infection and other conditions, or identifying whether bacteria or viruses are causing the infection, is often difficult. Current diagnostic tests fail to provide a definitive diagnosis in 30-50% of patients, making it challenging to choose the appropriate treatment. Delays in starting treatment often lead to poorer prognoses.
Objective of the Study
The goal of the I-PACE study is to establish the causal diagnosis more quickly in more patients to improve their prognoses. Using clinical data and biological materials (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) from patients suspected of having a neurological infection, we aim to develop new diagnostic tests with innovative methods.
Study Design
Patients of all ages are included, with those under 16 years old participating in the I-PACE kids and those over 16 years old in the adult I-PACE. All patients undergoing a lumbar puncture due to suspected neurological infection can be included. For all participating centers, any leftover cerebrospinal fluid is stored in a biobank along with clinical data from the disease episode. In several centers, additional materials for the study are collected, including extra cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and throat and rectal swabs.
What does participating entail?
After obtaining informed consent, the leftover cerebrospinal fluid will be requested. No new lumbar puncture is required for the study. In several centers, additional cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and/or swabs are also collected. Blood samples, if possible, will be taken in conjunction with regular blood draws for routine care and will not exceed 10 ml. In some patients, another blood sample will be taken six weeks after the illness episode to perform serological research.