Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Investigating inflammation and metabolism after cardiac arrest

Official title: Immunoinflammatory and Metabolic Responses in Post Cardiac Arrest Syndrome (PCAS)

Run by MaineHealth · NCT02664831 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how inflammation and metabolism change after cardiac arrest to see if they affect recovery and brain health in patients.

More Cardiac Arrest trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SponsorMaineHealth
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Maine)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 2016
Main results expectedJanuary 2027
Study endsJanuary 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT02664831 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been admitted to the ICU following a cardiac arrest and are unresponsive after resuscitation.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are actively dying, unable to provide informed consent within 24 hours of resuscitation, or have severe bleeding issues 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 explore the molecular mechanisms behind the systemic inflammatory response and metabolic changes following cardiac arrest. By analyzing blood samples from patients over a week, the study will assess how these factors relate to brain injury, survival rates, and functional outcomes. The research focuses on the role of immune cell activity and the presence of brown adipose tissue in influencing recovery and neurological outcomes. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve recovery after cardiac arrest.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance recovery and neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest survivors.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that similar studies have shown promise in understanding the inflammatory processes following cardiac arrest, although this specific approach may be novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older
* Admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac arrest episode
* Unresponsive after resuscitation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Moribund / actively dying at the time of evaluation
* Informed consent cannot be obtained within 24 hours of resuscitation
* Hemoglobin less than 7.0 g/dL, active high-volume bleeding, or requiring a transfusion

Where it's running

  • Maine Medical Center
    Portland, Maine, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.