Stress and cardiac arrest: measuring cortisol in hair
Stress as a Key Factor Influencing the Onset and Course of Cardiac Arrest
This project will test whether a small hair sample can show long-term cortisol (stress) levels in adults who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Pilsen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pilsen, Czech Republic) |
| Trial ID | NCT07285915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will collect a 3 cm hair sample from adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to measure cortisol levels that reflect roughly the prior three months of stress exposure. Hair cortisol results will be compared with anonymized clinical records, including details of prehospital care and post-resuscitation condition. The study seeks links between chronic stress markers and patient characteristics, severity of post-resuscitation syndrome, and outcomes. By focusing specifically on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the project addresses a gap in existing data about stress as a contributing factor.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–100 who experienced a cardiac arrest and can provide a small hair sample, and who are not on chronic corticosteroid or antidepressant treatment and whose participation is not refused by relatives, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients on long-term corticosteroids or antidepressants, those without sufficient hair, or cases where relatives withhold consent are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify patients with high chronic stress after cardiac arrest and inform targeted support or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Hair cortisol has been used to measure chronic stress in other cardiovascular research, but applying it specifically to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is relatively novel and data are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cardiac arrest * Heart attack * 18 - 100 years Exclusion Criteria: * Disapproval patient´s relatives with the study * Chronical treatment with corticoids and antidepresives
Where this trial is running
Pilsen, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Pilsen — Pilsen, Czech Republic, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jana Smalcova, MD, Ph.D.
- Email: jana.smalcova@gmail.com
- Phone: 775 360 017
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.