Investigating neuromuscular blockers in mechanically ventilated patients

Awareness With Paralysis and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Mechanically Ventilated Emergency Department Survivors: the ED-AWARENESS-2 Trial

NA · Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05534243

This study is testing how different muscle relaxants affect patients on ventilators in emergency departments to see if they improve outcomes and reduce complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3090 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine (other)
Locations4 sites (Iowa City, Iowa and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05534243 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effects of different neuromuscular blockers on patients who are mechanically ventilated in emergency departments. It will involve screening and enrolling eligible patients across five medical centers over three years, using a stepped wedge cluster randomized design. Initially, all sites will provide usual care, followed by a transition to using succinylcholine as the default neuromuscular blocker in a staggered manner. The study will assess the impact of these interventions on patient outcomes, particularly focusing on awareness and complications related to intubation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing mechanical ventilation and require treatment with a neuromuscular blocker.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or chronic neurologic injuries that impair assessment or those who die before extubation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the management of mechanically ventilated patients and reduce complications associated with intubation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific design and focus on neuromuscular blockers in emergency settings is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube
2. Age ≥ 18 years
3. Treatment with a neuromuscular blocker (for endotracheal intubation or during the post-intubation phase of care)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Acute or chronic neurologic injury with deficit that prevents assessment of AWP (i.e. stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, severe dementia)
2. Death before extubation
3. Transfer to another hospital from the ED

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa and 3 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: Awareness, Mechanical Ventilation, Intubation Complication, PTSD, Paralysis, Emergancy Department, Rocuronium, Intubation

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.