Investigating infections in patients on ECMO for severe respiratory failure

Nosocomial Infections in Patients Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Observational Policlinico Hospital · NCT05566665

This study looks at infections in patients with severe lung failure on ECMO to see what causes them and how to better treat them with antibiotics.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorPoliclinico Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Milan, MI and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05566665 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the incidence, microbial causes, and resistance patterns of nosocomial infections (NIs) in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) who are undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). It will also analyze the pharmacokinetics of specific antibiotics in this patient population. By collecting and analyzing data from a large cohort, the study seeks to improve understanding of NIs and optimize antibiotic treatment strategies. The findings could lead to better management of infections in critically ill patients on ECMO.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with ARDS who are currently receiving ECMO.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or have an expected survival of less than 24 hours will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the treatment of nosocomial infections in ECMO patients, potentially improving survival rates and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While few studies have assessed nosocomial infections in ECMO patients, this prospective approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* Diagnosis of ARDS (i.e., acute onset ( \< 7 days) from the known clinical insult of respiratory failure, with bilateral opacities - not explained by effusions, lung and lobar collapse, or nodules -, not fully explained by cardiac failure/fluid overload; with P/F ratio \<= 300 mmHg and continuous positive airway pressure \>= 5 cmH2O)
* Ongoing ECMO

Adjunctive Inclusion Criterium for the sole Secondary Objective:

\- Antibiotic treatment with ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, or cefiderocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Expected survival \< 24 hours.

Where this trial is running

Milan, MI 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 Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeNosocomial InfectionExtracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Complication
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.