Assessing blood flow changes in septic shock patients using advanced imaging

Improving the Assessment of Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Septic Shock Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography at the Bedside

Observational Hospital da Luz, Portugal · NCT04593212

This study is testing how blood flow changes in the eyes of patients with septic shock to see if it can help predict their risk of organ failure and death.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment165 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital da Luz, Portugal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lisboa)
Trial IDNCT04593212 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate microcirculatory dysfunction in patients experiencing septic shock by utilizing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The primary objective is to characterize alterations in retinal and choroidal microcirculation, focusing on parameters such as vascular density and blood flow index. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the prognostic value of these microcirculatory changes in predicting organ failure and mortality. The research will involve two sequential observational studies to gather comprehensive data on these aspects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with septic shock within the last 24 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with shock due to causes other than septic shock or those with pre-existing eye conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prognostic assessments and treatment strategies for patients with septic shock.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of OCTA in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in assessing microcirculatory dysfunction in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years-old
* septic shock diagnosis (defined by the presence of sepsis according to Sepsis-3 definition plus a SOFA score ≥ 3 points at cardiovascular system despite adequate volume resuscitation) less than 24 hours before the first OCTA assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability or willingness to provide informed consent from the patient or next of kin
* Shock due to any other cause without septic shock
* Bilateral eye absence
* Previously known retinopathy
* Previous retinal surgery or photocoagulation
* Pregnant women
* Participants with psychiatry disorders

Where this trial is running

Lisboa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Septic Shock
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.