Evaluating pupil response in patients suspected of brain death

Investigative Neurological Study With Pupillometric Evaluation os a Clinical Tool in Patients Declared Brain Dead (INSPECT) - a Prospective Quality Control Study

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06279975

This study is testing if checking pupils by hand or using a special machine is better for figuring out if someone is brain dead.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Basel, Canton of Basel-City and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06279975 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the reliability of clinical pupil examinations in diagnosing brain death compared to automated pupillometric measurements. Conducted at the University Hospital Basel, the study involves two board-certified physicians performing standard clinical assessments alongside non-invasive pupillometry using the NeurOptics® NPi®-200 system. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment will be collected anonymously to enhance the understanding of diagnostic accuracy in suspected brain death cases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are suspected of being brain dead and are undergoing diagnostic procedures in the intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who are not suspected of brain death or are not in an intensive care setting may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of brain death diagnoses, leading to better patient management and decision-making.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using automated pupillometry is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, making this a potentially novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Suspected diagnosis of brain death
* Brain death diagnostic procedures planned
* Treated at the intensive care unit at the University Hospital Basel (USB)

Where this trial is running

Basel, Canton of Basel-City and 1 other locations

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 Brain DeathAdultsPupillometryDiagnosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.