Evaluating dexmedetomidine for treating electrical storm in patients
Official title: Study Evaluating Dexmedetomidine in the Acute Treatment of Electrical Storm
Run by Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT06281977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a sedative called dexmedetomidine can help adults with electrical storm, which causes dangerous heart rhythms, by reducing these episodes and improving their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rochester, Minnesota and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 8, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06281977 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old admitted to an intensive care unit with a diagnosis of electrical storm.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients experiencing refractory shock unrelated to ventricular arrhythmias or those with severe cardiogenic shock 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 study aims to assess the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine, a sedative medication, in the acute treatment of patients experiencing electrical storm, characterized by recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. It is a multi-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial where patients will receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo for 48 to 72 hours in an intensive care unit setting. The study seeks to determine if early sedation can reduce the frequency of life-threatening arrhythmias and improve patient outcomes. The trial will include patients over 18 years old admitted with electrical storm, while excluding those with certain severe conditions or contraindications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the management of patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with electrical storm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that dexmedetomidine may reduce arrhythmia events in ICU settings, suggesting potential success for this approach, although its use in electrical storm is less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- All patients admitted to an intensive care unit with electrical storm over the age of 18 years will be approached for enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Refractory shock lasting for more than 30 minutes unrelated to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), defined as requiring two or more vasopressors * SCAI class D or E cardiogenic shock * Cardiac arrest(s) with a no-flow and low-flow total time of greater than 10 minutes prior to recruitment. * ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-induced VA with signs of active ischemia. * Bradycardia with heart rate less than 40 beats per minute, bradycardia-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia, second degree Mobitz type 2 or greater atrioventricular block in the absence of a pacemaker. * Pregnancy * Known dexmedetomidine allergy or intolerance * Inability to obtain consent from patient or substitute decision maker. * Patients who have received dexmedetomidine or clonidine during the 24 hours prior to randomization
Where it's running
-
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: F. Daniel Ramirez, MD MSc
- Email: dramirez@ottawaheart.ca
- Phone: 613-696-7402
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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.