Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 0 Days to 17

Measuring drug levels in children on ECMO support

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

Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT03593408 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages0 Days to 17 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 8, 2019
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2027
Study endsDecember 1, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT03593408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients not on ECMO or not receiving the specified medications may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.