Using ECMO to treat critically ill patients with severe respiratory failure

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) for Critically Ill Patients With Respiratory Failure and/or Circulatory Failure

Observational Mahidol University · NCT04031794

This study tests if using ECMO, a special life-support machine, can help critically ill patients with severe breathing problems do better than those getting standard treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMahidol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bangkoknoi, Bangkok)
Trial IDNCT04031794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and refractory hypoxemia at a center with limited ECMO experience. Patients who meet specific criteria for ECMO will be compared to those receiving conventional treatment. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of ECMO in improving patient outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario. Participants will be followed until hospital discharge to assess the impact of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with ARDS and experiencing refractory hypoxemia who meet the study's inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are terminally ill or have metastatic malignancies will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into the effectiveness of ECMO for patients with severe ARDS, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for ECMO in ARDS patients, but this study focuses on a less experienced center, making it a novel evaluation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed ARDS according to Berlin criteria
* Refractory hypoxemia: PaO2/FiO2 \<100 with FiO2 \>90% despite optimal mechanical ventilator support and paralytic agent infusion
* Hypoxemia persist for at least 2 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Terminally ill patient
* Patient who sign for do not resuscitation
* Metastatic malignancy

Where this trial is running

Bangkoknoi, Bangkok

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 Severe Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeRefractory HypoxemiaVeno-venous ECMOSevere ARDS
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.