Evaluating pupil response in patients suspected of brain death
Official title: Investigative Neurological Study With Pupillometric Evaluation os a Clinical Tool in Patients Declared Brain Dead (INSPECT) - a Prospective Quality Control Study
Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06279975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Basel, Canton of Basel-City and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 18, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | June 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06279975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults who are suspected of being brain dead and are undergoing diagnostic procedures in the intensive care unit.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While the approach of using automated pupillometry is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, making this a potentially novel investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Intensive care unit at the University Hospital Basel
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland Recruiting -
University Hospital Basel
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Raoul Sutter, Prof. — University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Raoul Sutter, Prof.
- Email: raoul.sutter@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 32 87928
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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.