Measuring drug levels in children on ECMO support

Pharmacokinetics of Sedatives and Analgesics During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support

Observational Boston Children's Hospital · NCT03593408

This study is trying to see how well certain sedatives and pain medications work in children on ECMO support to improve their care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT03593408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to measure the plasma concentrations of sedatives and analgesics, specifically dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, morphine, and midazolam, in pediatric patients who are receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. By understanding the pharmacokinetics of these medications in this unique clinical setting, the study seeks to optimize sedation management for these critically ill patients. The research will involve monitoring drug levels to assess how ECMO affects the metabolism and effectiveness of these drugs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients who are currently supported on ECMO and receiving one or more of the specified sedative or analgesic medications.

Not a fit: Patients not on ECMO or not receiving the specified medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sedation management and better outcomes for pediatric patients on ECMO.

How similar studies have performed: While this study focuses on a specific patient population, similar pharmacokinetic studies in critically ill patients have shown promising results in optimizing drug dosing.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* supported on ECMO
* receiving one or a combination of the following drugs dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, midazolam or morphine as part of sedation management

Exclusion Criteria:

-none

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Drug Effect
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.