Improving diagnosis and prediction of outcomes in patients with severe brain injuries

Improving Diagnosis and Prediction of Outcome in Patients With Severe Disorders of Consciousness

Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06283901

This study is trying to find better ways to predict recovery in patients with severe brain injuries by using tests like blood samples and brain scans to help doctors make informed decisions about their care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (other)
Locations5 sites (Nijmegen, Gelderland and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06283901 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with acute severe brain injuries who may experience disorders of consciousness after sedation. It aims to improve the prediction of neurological outcomes using a combination of clinical rating scales, blood biomarkers, EEG reactivity testing, and MRI scans. Patients will be assessed weekly and at various time points post-injury to identify those with a potential for good recovery. The goal is to enhance decision-making regarding life-sustaining treatments based on reliable diagnostic criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with severe brain injuries resulting in a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less.

Not a fit: Patients who are moribund at ICU admission or have progressive neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification of patients who may recover, thereby informing treatment decisions and potentially improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this study employs a novel combination of diagnostic tests to enhance outcome prediction in severe brain injury cases.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All patients that are admitted to the ICU with the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion:

1. Severe brain injury (GCS ≤ 8) as a result of:

   1. Traumatic brain injury
   2. Ischemic cerebrovascular accident
   3. Intracranial hemorrhage
   4. Meningo-encephalitis
   5. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
2. Age ≥ 18 years old
3. Written informed consent from legal representatives

Exclusion Criteria:

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Absence of informed consent
* Moribund at ICU admission
* Progressive neurodegenerative disease
* Pre-admission life expectancy ≤ 6 months based on comorbidity
* GCS has been \> 8 prior to inclusion
* Impossible to include within 24 hours after brain injury

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen, Gelderland and 4 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Intracranial Hemorrhages, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Stroke

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.