Improving Medication Timing for Cardiac Arrest

Optimizing the Timing and Route of Antiarrhythmic Administration in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11080888

This research looks at whether giving heart rhythm medications earlier can help more people survive sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11080888 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

When someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating effectively, and survival rates are often low, especially if initial electric shocks don't work. Current guidelines suggest waiting to give certain heart rhythm medications until after several shocks, which might delay effective treatment. This project aims to see if giving these medications sooner, and considering how they are given, could lead to better outcomes for patients. We hope to understand if a change in the timing of these life-saving drugs can significantly improve survival.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by specific abnormal heart rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing cardiac arrest due to other causes, or those who do not receive immediate medical attention, may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to updated guidelines for emergency care, potentially saving more lives after sudden cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: Current guidelines already use antiarrhythmic drugs for cardiac arrest, but this research explores whether changing the timing and sequence of their administration could be more effective.

Where this research is happening

PORTLAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.