Understanding thirst in ICU patients on mechanical ventilation
Thirst in the Intensive Care Unit, Recognition, Sensitivity and Type
This study looks at how thirsty patients on breathing machines feel and aims to help doctors better understand and treat this common discomfort in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bobigny and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05473351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the prevalence and intensity of thirst in mechanically ventilated patients who are able to communicate. It will utilize a visual analog scale to measure thirst levels and explore the mechanisms and prognostic implications of this often-overlooked symptom. The study seeks to raise awareness among clinicians about the importance of recognizing and addressing thirst in ICU settings, where patients frequently experience discomfort due to dry mouth and thirst. By focusing on this symptom, the research hopes to improve patient care and outcomes in intensive care units.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours and can communicate their thirst levels.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to communicate verbally, such as those with severe cognitive impairment or delirium, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better recognition and management of thirst in ICU patients, enhancing their comfort and overall care.
How similar studies have performed: While thirst in ICU patients has been noted as a significant issue, this study represents a novel approach to systematically assess and address it.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patient 18 years of age and older 2. Patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours at one of the participating centers 3. No objection to participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria : 1. Patients unable to communicate verbally and reliably self-report thirst: * Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) \< -2 or \> +2, * delirium according to the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) (if confusion is suspected) * severe cognitive impairment or severe mental illness * non-French speaking patients * severe hearing loss. 2. Pregnant women 3. Adults under legal protection 4. Not affiliated to a social security system or not benefiting from such a system
Where this trial is running
Bobigny and 2 other locations
- Service de médecine intensive et réanimation, hôpital Avicenne — Bobigny, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Service de médecine intensive et réanimation, hôpital Saint-Louis — Paris, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Service de medecine intensive et réanimation, hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière — Paris, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexandre DEMOULE, MD, PhD
- Email: alexandre.demoule@aphp.fr
- Phone: 01 42 16 77 61
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.