Calcium administration during cardiac surgery

Calcium Administration in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass (ICARUS Trial): Prospective Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Superiority Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Meshalkin Research Institute of Pathology of Circulation · NCT03772990

This study tests if giving calcium during heart surgery helps patients avoid low calcium levels and related problems compared to those who only get a saline solution.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment818 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMeshalkin Research Institute of Pathology of Circulation Research network
Locations11 sites (Manama and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03772990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of calcium chloride administration during the weaning phase of cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery. It aims to address the ongoing debate regarding the necessity and safety of calcium supplementation in preventing perioperative hypocalcemia and its associated complications, such as arrhythmias and vascular tone disorders. The study will involve patients undergoing valve surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and will compare outcomes between those receiving calcium chloride and those receiving a saline solution.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old undergoing cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, specifically valve surgery combined with CABG.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those undergoing emergency surgery, isolated aortic valve procedures, or those with certain medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis or parathyroid disorders.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve patient outcomes by reducing complications associated with calcium imbalances during cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been ongoing debate regarding calcium administration in cardiac surgery, this specific approach has not been extensively tested in prior studies, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass
* valve or valve surgery + CABG
* age \> 18 years
* signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* emergency surgery
* isolated aortic valve repair/replacement
* planned (before surgery) blood transfusion
* redo surgery
* known allergy to the study drug
* pregnancy
* current enrollment into another RCT (in the last 30 days)
* previous enrollment and randomization to ICARUS trial
* liver cirrhosis (Child B or C)
* transfusion during CPB
* hypo- or hyperparathyreosis

Where this trial is running

Manama and 10 other locations

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 Cardiac SurgeryCardiopulmonary Bypassinotropic supportcalcium chloridecardiopulmonary bypasscardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.