Effects of suctioning on pain and stress in intubated ICU patients

The Impact of Endotracheal Suctioning on Pain, Hypoxia, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Intubated Adult ICU Patients: A Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Loma Linda University · NCT06692400

This study is testing if suctioning the breathing tube in ICU patients causes more pain and stress compared to not suctioning.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLoma Linda University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT06692400 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experimental study aims to investigate whether endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning increases pain and stress in intubated adult patients in the ICU. The research will measure pain levels using the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and assess blood markers associated with stress and oxygen deprivation. Participants will be divided into two groups: those receiving ETT suctioning and those who do not, allowing for a comparison of pain and biochemical responses. Blood samples will be collected from existing arterial lines to analyze specific stress-related chemicals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation due to conditions like flu, pneumonia, COVID, or sepsis.

Not a fit: Patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents or those with contraindications for blood draws may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for intubated ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have explored pain and stress responses in ICU settings, indicating potential for valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (aged 18 years and older)
* Current diagnosis of flu, pneumonia, COVID, or sepsis
* Intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation.
* Have arterial lines placed
* Require endotracheal suctioning as part of their care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents
* Contraindications for blood draws (hemoglobin levels below 8.0 g/dL; Jehovah's Witness)

Where this trial is running

Loma Linda, California

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 Intensive Care Unit ICUIntubationCritical IllnessMechanical VentilationPain MeasurementPain, ProceduralOxidative StressHypoxia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.