Cytokine removal in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis

Cytokine REmoval in CRitically Ill PAtients Requiring Surgical Therapy for Infective Endocarditis (RECReATE) - an Investigator-initiated Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Two Established Clinical Protocols

Not applicable Interventional Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT03892174

This study is testing if a treatment that removes certain immune proteins can help critically ill patients with infective endocarditis recover better after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRituximab, prednisone
Locations1 site (Bern)
Trial IDNCT03892174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of cytokine removal in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis. It focuses on patients who have developed a persistent immunological dysfunction known as injury-associated immunosuppression, which can lead to increased complications and mortality. The intervention involves the use of CytoSorb® treatment to modulate the immune response and potentially improve patient outcomes. The study aims to assess the efficacy of this treatment in reversing the immunosuppressive state associated with severe infections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis with recent antibiotic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have received immunologically-active treatments or are in a moribund state with a life expectancy of less than 14 days may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce complications and improve survival rates in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that immunomodulation can be beneficial in similar patient populations, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects scheduled for routine cardiac surgery for infectious endocarditis (diagnosed according to the predefined "DUKE" criteria) with antibiotic therapy for ≤ 14 days.
* Presence of informed consent
* Age ≥18 yrs.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous treatment (last 6 months) with immunologically-active biologicals or specific immunomodulatory drugs (e.g. Rituximab)
* high-dose chronic (i.e. before onset of infectious endocarditis) steroid medication with prednisone equivalent of \>30 mg/d
* Patients on Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or any other (pre-operative) cardiac assist device
* Moribund patient (life expectancy \<14 days)

Where this trial is running

Bern

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 EndocarditisSepsisSeptic Shock
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.