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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Loma Linda University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Loma Linda, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06692400 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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.