Early use of norepinephrine for treating severe sepsis

Early Administration of Norepinephrine in Sepsis (Tunisian Multicenter Randomized Trial)

PHASE4 · Tunis University · NCT05836272

This study is testing if giving norepinephrine earlier can help people with severe sepsis feel better and live longer compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTunis University (other)
Locations1 site (Tunis)
Trial IDNCT05836272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the early administration of norepinephrine in patients with severe sepsis to improve hemodynamic stability and reduce mortality. The study aims to determine if starting norepinephrine earlier than the standard protocol can enhance mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output, leading to better patient outcomes. Participants will receive either norepinephrine or a placebo, and their responses will be monitored closely. The trial is based on previous findings that suggest early norepinephrine use may significantly improve survival rates in septic patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 or older diagnosed with sepsis and exhibiting a mean arterial pressure below 65 mmHg.

Not a fit: Patients who are already in septic shock requiring immediate norepinephrine or those with advanced neoplasia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates for patients suffering from severe sepsis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with early norepinephrine administration in sepsis management, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older.
* The patient or his/her legal representative has given informed consent in writing.
* Diagnosis of sepsis according to the definitions updated by the consensus of sepsis 3.
* Mean arterial pressure \< 65 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of septic shock prior to randomization (where NA requirements exceed those of the trial protocol)
* Pregnancy,
* Need for immediate surgery,
* Neoplasia at an advanced stage
* Circumstances where water restriction is the rule:
* Acute pulmonary edema
* Acute coronary syndrome,

Where this trial is running

Tunis

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sepsis, Severe, sepsis, septic shock, Norepinephrine, volume expansion, mortality

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.