Using alveolar dead space measurements to predict organ failure in severe sepsis patients
Alveolar Dead Space as Predictor of Multi-organ Failure and Mortality in Medical Intensive Care Patients With Sepsis Requiring Mechanical Ventilation
This study is testing if measuring a specific lung space in severe sepsis patients on ventilators can help predict if they will experience organ failure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT01315782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the changes in alveolar dead space in critically ill patients suffering from severe sepsis who require mechanical ventilation. By utilizing advanced ventilators with microprocessors, the study seeks to rapidly calculate alveolar dead space with minimal intervention. Patients will be monitored daily for the first 48 hours and then weekly for up to two weeks during their ICU stay. The goal is to determine if these measurements can serve as predictors for multi-organ failure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with severe sepsis or septic shock who are on mechanical ventilation and are enrolled within the first six hours of ICU admission.
Not a fit: Patients with terminal diseases, those on hospice care, or those with COPD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction and management of organ failure in patients with severe sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of measuring alveolar dead space is established, the specific application in predicting organ failure in severe sepsis is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults with severe sepsis or septic shock on mechanical ventilation * Enrolled in the initial six hours of ICU admission Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with withdrawal or hospice order. * Patients with terminal, irreversible disease, expect to decease in 48 hours from ICU admission. * Patients with COPD. * Patients transferred from outside ICU with ongoing sepsis management for more than six hours.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- Memorial Hermann Hospital — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rosa M Estrada-Y-Martin, MD MSc — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Rosa M Estrada-Y-Martin, MD MSc
- Email: rosa.m.estrada.y.martin@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-500-6830
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.