Stellate Ganglion Block to Help Delirium in Older ICU Patients
Official title: Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block on Delirium and Circadian Rhythm in Geriatric Intensive Care Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Antalya Training and Research Hospital · NCT07558642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether a targeted nerve block can reduce delirium and help daily rhythms in people 65 and older in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Antalya Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Antalya, Muratpaşa and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07558642 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Older adults (65+) in the ICU expected to stay >48 hours who can communicate in Turkish or English and who do not meet key exclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe comorbidities or contraindications to the block may not experience any delirium reduction.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study will compare ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block with 0.5% bupivacaine to a saline placebo in elderly ICU patients. Delirium will be tracked twice daily for seven days using established clinical scales, while circadian rhythm changes will be monitored through serial melatonin and cortisol measurements. The goal is to see if autonomic modulation from the block can lower delirium incidence and normalize circadian biomarkers. Outcome assessors will be blinded to treatment allocation to minimize bias. Eligible patients are 65 years and older, expected to stay in ICU for more than 48 hours, and without major exclusions such as severe neurodegenerative disease or critical instability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer delirium days and better circadian regulation during their ICU stay.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in related autonomic modulation approaches have shown mixed results; this study contributes novel data on SGB’s effect in delirium.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 65 years or older expected to remain in the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours * RASS score \> -4 Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, dementia, vascular dementia) * Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders * Alcohol use disorder and/or substance abuse * History of traumatic brain injury or ischemic/hemorrhagic cerebrovascular event * Severe hearing and/or visual impairment * Benzodiazepine use * Renal failure (Acute Kidney Injury stage 2-3) and/or liver failure * Beta-blocker use * Contraindications to stellate ganglion block (e.g., coagulopathy, glaucoma, recent myocardial infarction) * Sepsis * Allergy to bupivacaine * Inability to communicate in Turkish or English * Severe hyponatremia * Hemodynamic instability
Where it's running
-
Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Muratpaşa, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting -
Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Muratpaşa, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nilgun Kavrut Ozturk, professor
- Email: kavrut@yahoo.com
- Phone: +905334196049
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Percutaneous stellate ganglion block for electrical storm
This trial will try a targeted nerve block using lidocaine and bupivacaine to stop repeated ventricular arrhythmias in adults whose electrical storm hasn't responded to initial treatments.
-
Stellate ganglion block for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome
This will test whether adding a stellate ganglion block to regular physical therapy reduces pain and improves arm function in adults with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome.
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.