Investigating inflammation and metabolism after cardiac arrest

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

Observational MaineHealth · NCT02664831

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

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaineHealth Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Maine)
Trial IDNCT02664831 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Portland, Maine

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 Cardiac ArrestInflammationObesityHypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathycardiac arrestinflammationimmuneneuregulin
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.