Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Effects of suctioning on pain and stress in intubated ICU patients

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

Run by Loma Linda University · NCT06692400 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

More Sepsis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment110 (estimated)
SponsorLoma Linda University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 30, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06692400 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Loma Linda University Medical Center Troesh Medical Campus
    Loma Linda, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Elizabeth Johnston Taylor, PhD, FAAN — Loma Linda University School of Nursing
  • Study coordinator: Briana Carr, PhD(c), BSN, RN
  • Email: bmcarr@llu.edu
  • Phone: 909-558-4000

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.