Clinical trial Recruiting at 4 sites Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 79

Effects of testosterone gel on physical performance in critically ill patients

Official title: Effects of Early Testosterone Gel Administration on Physical Performance in the Critically Ill: a Randomised Double Blind Clinical Trial

Run by University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT05825092 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if giving testosterone gel to critically ill patients on a ventilator can help improve their muscle strength and recovery compared to a placebo.

More Critical Illness trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
Enrollment600 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand
Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Bordeaux and 4 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 21, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2025
Study endsApril 1, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 2, 2023
Trial IDNCT05825092 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are males and females over 18 years old who are critically ill and require invasive mechanical ventilation for an extended period.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not critically ill or those who do not require mechanical ventilation 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 clinical trial investigates the impact of early administration of testosterone gel on physical performance in critically ill patients who are expected to require invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. The study aims to address the severe testosterone deficiency commonly observed in these patients, which may contribute to muscle loss and functional disability. By comparing the effects of testosterone gel to a placebo, the trial seeks to determine whether testosterone can improve muscle strength and recovery during critical illness. The approach involves monitoring physical performance and muscular mass as primary outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could enhance muscle recovery and physical performance in critically ill patients, potentially improving their overall outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using testosterone gel in critically ill patients is novel, previous studies have indicated that addressing hormonal deficiencies can have positive effects on recovery in similar populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females aged over 18 years
* Negative pregnancy test (b-HCG) in female patient of childbearing potential
* Invasive mechanical ventilation expected to be required for more than 48 hours
* Written informed consent obtained from the patient or his/her legal representative
* Social security cover
* Contraception
* Female patient of childbearing potential (entering the study after a menstrual period and who has a negative pregnancy test), who agrees to use a highly effective method of contraception and an effective method of contraception by her male partner during treatment and for 7 months after the last treatment intake
* Male patient with a female partner of childbearing potential who agrees to use a highly effective method of contraception and an effective method of contraception by his female partner during treatment and for 4 months after the last treatment intake OR who agrees to use an effective method of contraception and a highly effective method of contraception by his female partner during the study and for 4 months after the last treatment intake

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prostate cancer
* History of breast cancer
* Prostate cancer suspected or confirmed
* Breast cancer suspected or confirmed
* PSA (prostatic specific antigen) ≥ 4 ng/ml
* ICU length of stay \> 120 h before enrollment
* Moribund
* Pre-existing illness with a life expectancy of \<6 months
* Recent intracranial or spinal cord injury (\< 1 month)
* Recent haemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (\< 1 month)
* Neuromuscular disease
* Cardiac arrest in non-shockable rhythm
* Preexistent cognitive impairment or language barrier
* Inability to walk without assistance prior to acute ICU illness (use of a cane or walkers not excluded)
* Documented allergy to testosterone
* Age \> 80 years
* Pregnancy
* Breast feeding

Where it's running

  • Service d'Anesthésie et Réanimation Centre Jean-Perrin
    Clermont-Ferrand, France
    Recruiting
  • Service de Médecine Intensive et Réanimation (MIR), CHU Clermont-Ferrand
    Clermont-Ferrand, France
    Recruiting
  • Service de Médecine Intensive et de Réanimation CHD La Roche sur Yon
    La Roche-sur-Yon, France
    Recruiting
  • Service de Médecine Intensive et Réanimation CHU Nantes, Hôtel Dieux
    Nantes, France
    Recruiting
  • Service de Medecine Intensive et Réanimation CHU de Bordeaux Hopital Pellegrin
    Bordeaux, France
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

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.