Comparing N-Acetylcysteine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Kidney Damage from Colistin

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetylcysteine Versus Alpha-Lipoic Acid on the Occurrence and Severity of Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Critically Ill Patients

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT06650384

This study is testing whether N-acetylcysteine or Alpha-lipoic acid can help protect the kidneys from damage caused by colistin in critically ill patients with tough bacterial infections.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06650384 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine versus Alpha-lipoic acid in preventing kidney damage caused by colistin in critically ill patients with multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The study involves administering either N-acetylcysteine or Alpha-lipoic acid alongside colistin treatment to assess their protective effects on renal function. Patients will be monitored for signs of acute kidney injury during the treatment period. The trial aims to provide insights into safer treatment options for infections that are difficult to manage due to antibiotic resistance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are critically ill adults aged 18 and older who are starting colistin treatment for suspected or confirmed multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative infections.

Not a fit: Patients with existing acute kidney injury or other significant kidney disorders will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved kidney protection for patients receiving colistin, enhancing treatment outcomes for severe infections.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of N-acetylcysteine for nephroprotection has been explored in other contexts, this specific comparison with Alpha-lipoic acid in the setting of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients ≥ 18 years
2. Critically ill patients initiating treatment with colistin for suspected or confirmed multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infection as per culture

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is in AKI according to KDIGO guidelines in 2012 KDIGO.org. Accessed at 17/2/2024)
2. Any kidney disorder including (glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, interstitial nephritis, renal artery stenosis and renal carcinoma).
3. Known allergy to colistin, N-acetylcysteine or alpha-lipoic acid
4. Patients with factors requiring NPO (nothing per oral)

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 NephrotoxicityN-AcetylcysteineAlpha-Lipoic AcidColistin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.