Using heart rate variability to predict brain injury after cardiac arrest

Heart Rate Variability in Early Prediction of a Noxic Brain Injury After Cardiac Arrest

Observational CMC Ambroise Paré · NCT06044922

This study is testing if measuring heart rate variability can help doctors predict brain injury in patients who have had a cardiac arrest and are in the ICU.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCMC Ambroise Paré Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Brest, Brittany Region and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06044922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the role of heart rate variability (HRV) as a potential early predictor of noxic brain injury in patients who have experienced cardiac arrest. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after resuscitation will undergo 24-hour Holter monitoring to assess their HRV. The study seeks to improve prognostication in comatose patients following restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by evaluating HRV alongside existing clinical and paraclinical tests. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of predicting neurological outcomes in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients who are comatose with a Glasgow score of less than 8 after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and require sedation and targeted temperature management.

Not a fit: Patients who are dying, have a non-sinus rhythm, or are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable method for early identification of patients at risk for severe neurological impairment after cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of heart rate variability in this context is a novel approach, other studies have explored various prognostic indicators in post-cardiac arrest care with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (in-hospital or out-of-hospital)
* Coma (Glasgow score \< 8) after ROSC, requiring sedation and targeted temperature management for at least 24h

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dying patient (Limitation of life support techniques at admission to the ICU)
* Non-Sinus Rhythm
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Patient under protection of the adults (guardianship, curators or safeguard of justice)
* Opposition by the trusted person or by the patient once he/she wakes up

Where this trial is running

Brest, Brittany Region and 4 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.
Conditions Cardiac ArrestHeart rate variabilityNeurologic prognosis
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.