Impact of lower vasopressor use on survival in patients with heart failure on ECMO

Association Between Vasopressor Exposure Levels and 30-Day Mortality in Patients Receiving ECMO Support for Cardiogenic Shock: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Observational Beijing Anzhen Hospital · NCT06862700

This study is testing if using less vasopressor medication can help adults with heart failure on ECMO survive better over 30 days.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment534 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Anzhen Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06862700 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between vasopressor exposure levels and outcomes in adults experiencing cardiogenic shock who are receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). It will enroll 534 patients across multiple centers, categorizing them into high-dose and low-dose vasopressor groups based on their Vasoactive-Inotropic Score. The primary focus is to determine if reduced vasopressor use can decrease 30-day mortality rates. Secondary outcomes will assess hospital survival, mechanical ventilation duration, and complications related to ECMO support.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with cardiogenic shock requiring first-time VA-ECMO support.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years, those with severe pulmonary hypertension, or those requiring vasopressors for non-shock reasons may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates for patients with cardiogenic shock receiving ECMO support.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of reducing vasopressor use in ECMO patients is being explored, this specific study's focus on mortality outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (≥18 years) with cardiogenic shock requiring VA-ECMO support.
* First-time ECMO initiation.
* Venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) as the initial mode.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years.
* Severe pulmonary hypertension.
* Vasopressor use for non-shock indications (e.g., bleeding, post-cardiopulmonary bypass vasoplegia).
* Severe missing data.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Cardiogenic ShockExtracorporeal Membrane OxygenationVasopressorsHemodynamic ManagementCritical CareHeart Failure
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.