Tracking changes in autonomic nervous system markers during sepsis in children

Longitudinal Evolution of Biomarkers of Dysautonomia and Inflammation During Sepsis in Children - An Observational Study

Observational Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT05807555

This study is trying to see how the body's automatic responses change in children with severe sepsis in the ICU, looking at different infections and their effects on heart and blood markers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint-Etienne)
Trial IDNCT05807555 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to monitor the evolution of sympathetic and parasympathetic markers of dysautonomia in children admitted to intensive care units for severe sepsis. It will analyze how these autonomic indices change based on the infection site and types of pathogens while correlating them with inflammation biomarkers and cytokines. The study involves ambulatory ECG and blood sample collection to gather data on the autonomic nervous system's response during severe inflammatory conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children hospitalized in intensive care units who meet sepsis criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic or acute conditions that affect autonomic balance or those recently under general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dysautonomia in pediatric sepsis, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the anti-inflammatory effects of the autonomic nervous system have been well studied, this specific approach to understanding its balance during severe inflammation in children is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for cases group :

* Hospitalization in a pediatric intensive care unit.
* Presenting the sepsis criteria
* Patient affiliated or entitled to a social security scheme
* Holders of parental authority having received informed information about the study and having signed the consent form

Exclusion Criteria for cases group :

* Parents or legal guardians who do not speak French
* Chronic or acute pathology that can alter autonomic balance (congenital heart disease, encephalopathy, neuropathy, acute pain, etc.)
* Recent general anesthesia less than 48 hours old. (inclusion may be made beyond 48 hours from the last general anesthesia if the inclusion criteria remain present)
* Taking treatments that can alter the ANS (β-blockers, etc.) or inflammation (NSAIDs, corticosteroids)

Inclusion criteria for control group :

* Patient affiliated or entitled to a social security scheme
* Holders of parental authority having received informed information about the study and having signed the consent form

Exclusion Criteria for control group :

* Parents or legal guardians who do not speak French
* Chronic or acute pathology that can alter autonomic balance (congenital heart disease, encephalopathy, neuropathy, acute pain, etc.)
* Recent general anesthesia less than 1 month.
* Taking treatments that can alter the ANS (β-blockers, etc.) or inflammation (NSAIDs, corticosteroids)

Where this trial is running

Saint-Etienne

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 SepsisAutonomic Nervous SystemDysautonomia
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.