Using Dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine to prevent brain issues from carbon monoxide poisoning
The Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Combination With N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Neurocognitive Sequelae Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
This study is testing if a combination of Dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine can help prevent brain problems in people who have been poisoned by carbon monoxide.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT06811675 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining Dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine in preventing delayed neurocognitive sequelae (DNS) in patients who have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a prospective pre-post intervention study that will enroll patients into treatment and control groups, with the primary outcome being the incidence of DNS within six weeks post-treatment. The hypothesis is based on previous studies suggesting that these medications may mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with DNS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a history and clinical symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Not a fit: Patients with severe trauma, burns, or those who have been poisoned for more than 24 hours before hospital arrival may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of long-term cognitive impairments in patients recovering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
How similar studies have performed: While hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been widely used, its efficacy remains inconclusive, making this combination approach novel and potentially untested in this specific context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History and clinical symptoms consistent with CO poisoning (initial blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels \>5%, or \>10% for smokers). Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent use of other potentially lethal toxins. Severe trauma or burns that could be fatal. No spontaneous heartbeat or blood pressure before arrival. Poisoning time exceeding 24 hours before hospital arrival. Minors (under 18 years of age). Pregnant women. Patients or their families refuse to sign the consent form. Contraindications for the use of Dexamethasone or N-acetylcysteine (such as severe allergies) or when the physician assesses the risks outweigh the benefits.
Where this trial is running
Taichung
- China Medical University Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chi-Syuan Pan
- Email: miss321@gmail.com
- Phone: 0912697916
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.