Improving survival rates for cardiac arrest patients with Pulseless Electrical Activity
Official title: A Prospective, Pre-Hospital Comparison of Normal Saline Versus Half-Normal Saline, After Universal Calcium Chloride Administration, to Improve Outcomes in Pulseless Electrical Activity Patients
Run by Carilion Clinic · NCT05283850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special type of fluid with low sodium can help improve survival rates for patients who have a cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 342 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Carilion Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roanoke, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2022 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 17, 2022 |
| Trial ID | NCT05283850 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults presenting with PEA during treatment by participating emergency medical services.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18 years old, those with traumatic cardiac arrest, or those with a Do Not Resuscitate order 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 investigates the outcomes of patients experiencing Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) during cardiac arrest, focusing on the effectiveness of a High Calcium, Low Sodium (HCLS) fluid compared to a High Calcium, High Sodium (HCHS) fluid in pre-hospital care. Conducted by the Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the study will automatically enroll eligible PEA patients treated by local emergency medical services. Patients will be randomized into two groups to receive either HCLS or HCHS fluids, with both groups receiving calcium. The goal is to determine if the HCLS fluid improves survival chances for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly increase survival rates for patients experiencing PEA during cardiac arrest.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on fluid administration in cardiac arrest have been conducted, the specific approach of using HCLS fluid in PEA patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients who present with PEA at any time during the patients' treatment by Roanoke Fire-EMS, Botetourt County Department of Fire \& EMS and/or Salem Fire-EMS. This study defines a PEA presentation as any patient who is unconscious, presenting without a carotid pulse and with non-(VT/VF) ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation electrical activity. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient less than 18 years old * Known pregnancy * Duration of untreated cardiac arrest of more than 30 minutes * Traumatic cardiac arrest * Known (LVAD) Left Ventricular Assist Device * Rapidly fatal underlying disease * Known or suspected digitalis toxicity * A physical, durable (DNR) Do Not Resuscitate (or durable DNR medical jewelry) presented to EMS before treatment with asserting a preference not to be enrolled * Prisoners and other populations with involuntary consent
Where it's running
-
Carilion Clinic
Roanoke, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carol Bernier, DO — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Study coordinator: Cara Spivy, MS
- Email: crspivey@carilionclinic.org
- Phone: 540-676-7965
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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.