Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using Dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine to prevent brain issues from carbon monoxide poisoning

Official title: The Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Combination With N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Neurocognitive Sequelae Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Run by China Medical University Hospital · NCT06811675 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment128 (estimated)
SponsorChina Medical University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taichung)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 23, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsSeptember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 26, 2025
Trial IDNCT06811675 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals with a history and clinical symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: While hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been widely used, its efficacy remains inconclusive, making this combination approach novel and potentially untested in this specific context.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • China Medical University Hospital
    Taichung, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.