Using bicarbonate during in-hospital cardiac arrest

Bicarbonate for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

PHASE4 · Aarhus University Hospital · NCT05564130

This study tests if giving sodium bicarbonate during in-hospital cardiac arrest can help adults survive and have better brain function afterward.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment778 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAarhus University Hospital (other)
Locations22 sites (Aabenraa and 21 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05564130 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of sodium bicarbonate on adult patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest. It is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involving 778 patients across 22 sites in Denmark. Participants must have received at least one dose of adrenaline during CPR, and the study aims to determine if bicarbonate improves the chances of returning to spontaneous circulation and enhances survival rates at 30 days. The trial will also assess neurological outcomes for survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an in-hospital cardiac arrest and received adrenaline during resuscitation efforts.

Not a fit: Patients with a do-not-resuscitate order, those on mechanical circulatory support, or those with clinical indications for bicarbonate administration may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve survival rates and neurological outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest in hospitals.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bicarbonate in cardiac arrest has been debated, this specific approach in a controlled setting is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. In-hospital cardiac arrest
2. Age ≥ 18 years
3. Received at least one dose of adrenaline during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clearly documented "do-not-resuscitate" order prior to the cardiac arrest
2. Prior enrollment in the trial
3. Invasive mechanical circulatory support at the time of the cardiac arrest
4. Known or suspected pregnancy at the time of the cardiac arrest
5. Known objection by the patient to participate in the trial
6. Clinical indication for bicarbonate administration

Where this trial is running

Aabenraa and 21 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardiac Arrest

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.