Our research
Our research focuses on the immunopathogenesis of sepsis and the identification of prognostic biomarkers using multi-omics approaches.
By integrating clinical data from the Sepsis Quality Registry at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) with samples from the SIRS biobank, we investigate mechanisms underlying disease heterogeneity and treatment response.
Our work is conducted in close collaboration with the Departments of Emergency Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry, and Microbiology at the University of Oslo and OUH.
Research goal
The overarching goal of our research is to identify biologically distinct patient subgroups that may benefit from personalized and targeted immunomodulatory therapies.
Projects
We have several ongoing projects.
SEPSOMICS -Multi-omics to identify sepsis endotypes in the emergency department - laying the groundwork for personalised therapy
SEPSOMICS applies advanced multi-omics technologies to characterize the biological heterogeneity of sepsis and classify patients into clinically meaningful subgroups, or endotypes.
By integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and clinical data, we aim to identify molecular pathways associated with disease severity, organ failure, and mortality. The project also seeks to uncover biological mechanisms that may represent future therapeutic targets.
The long-term goal is to provide a foundation for precision medicine approaches in sepsis, enabling the selection of individualized immunomodulatory treatments based on each patient's biological profile.
NOR-GECCO - Norwegian study of Genetic variation in Escherichia Coli and Clinical Outcome
NOR-GECCO is a retrospective national multicentre cohort study investigating how bacterial genetic variation influences the clinical presentation and outcome of sepsis caused by Escherichia coli.
The project links whole-genome sequencing data from approximately 3,000 bloodstream E. coli isolates with detailed clinical data from affected patients. Through this integrated approach, we aim to identify bacterial virulence factors associated with severe disease, treatment failure, and mortality.
The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Norwegian surveillance programme for antimicrobial resistance (NORM) at the University Hospital of North Norway in Tromsø. NORM i Tromsø.
Sepsis Biomarkers for Improved Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment
This observational study combines data from the Sepsis Registry at OUH with laboratory and clinical datasets to investigate the role of biochemical and hematological biomarkers in sepsis.
The project focuses on improving early diagnosis, refining risk stratification, and identifying biologically distinct patient groups that may require different treatment strategies.
By improving our understanding of biomarker trajectories throughout the course of illness, we aim to support more accurate clinical decision-making and future personalized treatment approaches
Selected publications
- Multicenter Validation of Clinical Sepsis Phenotypes. Yoon CH, Sjöholm D, Wickstrøm KE, Danielsen AS, Prebensen C, Valik JK, Holten AR, Amundsen EK, Walker AS, Eyre DW, Vitelli V, Nauclér P. JAMA Netw Open. 2026 Jun 1;9(6):e2616134. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.16134
- Sysmex Cell Population Data for Diagnosing Infection in Patients With Suspected Sepsis in the Emergency Department. Kristin E Wickstrøm et al. Int J Lab Hematol 2026 Feb;48(1):71-80. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.70008. Epub 2025 Oct 3.
- Mortality and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in Patients With Suspected Sepsis: The Impact of Acute and Preexisting Organ Failures and Infection Likelihood. Christensen, E. E., et al. Crit Care Explor. 2023 5(2): e0865. doi: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000865
- Diagnostic accuracy and added value of infection biomarkers in patients with possible sepsis in the emergency department. Christensen EE et al. Shock. 2022 Oct 1;58(4):251-259. doi: 10.1097/SHK.0000000000001981.
- Prognostic Value of Nucleated RBCs for Patients With Suspected Sepsis in the Emergency Department: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study. Amundsen EK et al, Crit Care Explor. 2021 Jul 16;3(7):e0490. doi: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000490.
