Managing shock in malnourished children with diarrhea

Randomized Controlled Trial of Dopamine, Adrenaline, and Blood Transfusion for Treatment of Fluid Refractory Shock in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition or Severe Underweight and Cholera or Other Dehydrating Diarrheas

Phase 3 Interventional International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh · NCT04750070

This study is testing whether blood transfusions and certain medications can help young children with severe malnutrition and diarrhea who are in shock feel better compared to regular fluid treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment135 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 59 Months
SexAll
SponsorInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dhaka)
Trial IDNCT04750070 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of blood transfusions and vasoactive medications like dopamine and adrenaline in treating children aged 1-59 months who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and experiencing fluid refractory shock due to diarrhea. The study aims to address the high mortality rates associated with severe sepsis and septic shock in this vulnerable population, particularly in the context of existing WHO treatment guidelines. By comparing conventional fluid therapy with these alternative interventions, the trial seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding optimal management strategies for these children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 1-59 months with acute malnutrition and diarrhea who are experiencing fluid refractory shock.

Not a fit: Patients who are in need of immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation or have rare blood types without available donors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce mortality rates in malnourished children suffering from shock due to diarrhea.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have highlighted the challenges of managing severe sepsis in malnourished children, this specific approach involving inotropes and blood transfusions in the context of dehydrating diarrhea is novel and has not been systematically evaluated before.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children of either sex with acute malnutrition and diarrhea
2. Age: 1-59 months
3. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) and/or developmental delay, Down Syndrome with or without heart diseases
4. Fluid refractory shock
5. Consent from the caregivers/parents

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having a rare blood group (Rh negative blood groups provided that donor is not available)
2. A child requiring cardio-pulmonary resuscitation during screening or having gasping respiration

Where this trial is running

Dhaka

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 Shock HypovolemicShock, SepticBlood TransfusionAdrenalineDopamineSevere acute malnutritionChildrenShock
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.