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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Days to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 8, 2019 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03593408 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
- Principal investigator: Viviane Nasr, MD — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Viviane Nasr, MD
- Email: viviane.nasr@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-355-6225
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.