Using apnoeic oxygenation to improve pediatric tracheal intubation outcomes

Apnoeic Oxygenation During Pediatric Tracheal Intubation: a Study Protocol for a Single-center, Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial (ApOx-Pedi-Trial)

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Heidelberg · NCT06576596

This study is testing if using extra oxygen during tracheal intubation can help improve outcomes for children having anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Academic / other
Locations1 site (Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg)
Trial IDNCT06576596 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of apnoeic oxygenation during tracheal intubation in pediatric patients. It involves a randomized, controlled, single-blinded design where participants are divided into two age-dependent groups: one receiving apnoeic oxygenation and the other serving as a control. The primary outcome is the lowest recorded SpO₂ value during the apnoeic period, while secondary outcomes include intubation success rates, time to desaturation, and incidence of anesthesia-related adverse events. The study aims to enhance airway management and reduce hypoxia-related complications in children undergoing anesthesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0-6 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with ASA status I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with life-threatening diseases, existing oxygen therapy, or those undergoing emergency interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of hypoxia and related complications during pediatric anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: While apnoeic oxygenation is increasingly becoming a standard technique in pediatric anesthesia, this specific study's approach is novel and aims to provide further evidence of its effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* children 0-6 years
* ASA status I-III
* Elective surgery/intervention under general anaesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* refusal to participate in the study by the patients or their legal guardians
* ASA classification IV = patients with life-threatening disease
* Existing oxygen therapy prior to surgery
* Surgery/intervention in the ENT area with contraindication for oxygen goggles
* Injuries/trauma in the ENT and mouth/nose area
* Anatomical anomalies/malformations in the ENT and mouth/nose area
* Chronical hypoxemia (e.g. patients with cyanotic heart diseases)
* language barrier (parent/guardian)
* emergency interventions
* refusal by the attending physician
* lack of presence of the pediatric anesthesiology consultant
* Situational inability to perform apnoeic oxygenation or inability to obtain baseline NIRS values at room air within 60 seconds from the first attempt due to agitation of the patient

Where this trial is running

Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg

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 AnesthesiaAirway Complication of AnesthesiaAdverse EffectAirway ManagementPediatric AnesthesiaApnoeic OxygenationApneic OxygenationOxygen
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.