Doxapram to improve diaphragm movement during spontaneous breathing trials in ventilated COPD patients

The Influence of Doxapram Administration on Diaphragmatic Excursion in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Undergoing Spontaneous Breathing Trial: a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Cairo University · NCT07022704

This trial will test whether giving IV doxapram helps the diaphragm move more in people with moderate to severe COPD who are on a ventilator and doing a spontaneous breathing trial.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07022704 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center observational protocol in which intravenous doxapram is administered during spontaneous breathing trials in mechanically ventilated patients with moderate to severe COPD. Diaphragmatic excursion will be measured by an expert using respiratory muscle ultrasound before and after doxapram administration. Patients with doxapram allergy, neuromuscular disorders, or inability to visualize the diaphragm will be excluded. The study is conducted at Cairo University and collects physiologic ultrasound endpoints rather than clinical outcomes like weaning success.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with moderate to severe COPD who are mechanically ventilated and undergoing a spontaneous breathing trial without allergy to doxapram and with an evaluable diaphragm on ultrasound.

Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular disorders, a known allergy to doxapram, or when the diaphragm cannot be imaged are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could support using doxapram to enhance diaphragm movement and potentially help clinicians during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: Respiratory stimulants like doxapram have historical use and mixed evidence for improving ventilation, but using doxapram specifically to increase diaphragmatic excursion during spontaneous breathing trials is relatively novel and not well established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing spontaneous breathing trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal Allergy to doxapram neuromuscular disorders inability to evaluate the diaphragm

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

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 COPDMechanical VentilationWeaning From Mechanical VentilationDoxapramDiaphragmatic excursion
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.