Treatment for brain activity issues after cardiac arrest

Treatment of ELectrographic STatus Epilepticus After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-2: Multicenter Randomised Clinical Trial and Health Economic Evaluation of Anti-seizure Treatment in Comatose Cardiac Arrest Patients With SE on Continuous EEG

Not applicable Interventional University of Twente · NCT06549426

This study tests if giving anti-seizure medication to comatose patients after cardiac arrest can help them recover better than those who don’t receive it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Twente Academic / other
Locations20 sites (Brussels and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06549426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of anti-seizure treatment in comatose patients who have experienced cardiac arrest and show signs of electrographic status epilepticus (ESE). Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard care with anti-seizure medication and the other receiving standard care without it. The study aims to determine if ESE treatment can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The primary outcome will be assessed using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale six months after treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are in a coma after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and have been diagnosed with ESE.

Not a fit: Patients with known progressive brain illnesses or those with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 3 or lower prior to admission may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery outcomes for comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the treatment of electrographic status epilepticus, making this approach both relevant and necessary for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Coma (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8) after out of hospital cardiac arrest and resuscitation
2. Age ≥ 18 years
3. Continuous EEG with at least eight electrodes started \< 24h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
4. ESE or possible ESE according to the Salzburg and ACNS criteria
5. Possibility to start treatment within three hours after detection of ESE

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known history of another medical condition with limited life expectancy (\< six months)
2. Any progressive brain illness, such as a brain tumor or neurodegenerative disease
3. Pre-admission Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 3 or lower
4. Reason other than the neurological condition to withdraw treatment
5. EEG background activity prior to the emergence of ESE indicative of extensive irreversible anoxic brain injury
6. Follow-up impossible due to logistic reasons, for example not living in the Netherlands or Belgium

Where this trial is running

Brussels and 19 other locations

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 ComaElectrographic Status Epilepticus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.