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Managing sedation, temperature, and blood pressure after cardiac arrest

Sedation, Temperature and Pressure After Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation

NA · Region Skane · NCT05564754

This study tests how different levels of sedation, temperature control, and blood pressure management can help people who have survived cardiac arrest and are in a coma to survive longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Skane (other)
Locations56 sites (Kingswood, New South Wales and 55 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05564754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The STEPCARE-trial is a randomized trial involving 3500 patients who have been resuscitated from cardiac arrest and are in a comatose state. It investigates three different interventions: sedation levels, temperature management, and blood pressure targets. Participants will be assigned to either control or intervention groups for each of these parameters, with follow-ups at 30 days and 6 months to assess survival outcomes. The primary goal is to determine the impact of these interventions on survival rates at 6 months post-resuscitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and are comatose after successful resuscitation.

Not a fit: Patients on ECMO prior to randomization or those with suspected intracranial hemorrhage may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve survival rates and neurological outcomes for patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar interventions in post-cardiac arrest care, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
2. Sustained ROSC - defined as 20 minutes with signs of circulation without the need for chest compressions
3. Unconsciousness defined as not being able to obey verbal commands (FOUR-score motor response of \<4) or being intubated and sedated because of agitation after sustained ROSC.
4. Eligible for intensive care without restrictions or limitations
5. Inclusion within 4 hours of ROSC

Exclusion Criteria:

1. On ECMO prior to randomization
2. Pregnancy
3. Suspected or confirmed intracranial hemorrhage
4. Previously randomized in the STEPCARE trial
5. Trauma or hemorrhage being the presumed cause of arrest

Where this trial is running

Kingswood, New South Wales and 55 other locations

+6 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

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: Cardiac Arrest With Successful Resuscitation, Hypoxia, Brain

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.