Using hemadsorption to remove drugs in intoxicated ICU patients

Hemadsorption to Enhance Drug Elimination in Intoxications

NA · Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT06922786

This study is testing whether a special filter can help remove certain drugs from the blood of ICU patients who are unconscious due to drug overdose.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (other)
Locations1 site (Brussels, Brussels Capital)
Trial IDNCT06922786 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of a hemadsorption filter (cytosorb®) in enhancing the elimination of benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants in patients admitted to the ICU with impaired consciousness due to drug intoxication. The study involves administering the hemadsorption filter to patients who meet specific criteria, including prolonged impaired consciousness and risk factors for delayed drug elimination. Plasma levels of the neurodepressing drugs will be measured before and after the application of the filter to assess the speed and effectiveness of drug removal.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with impaired consciousness due to benzodiazepine or tricyclic antidepressant intoxication and specific risk factors for delayed drug elimination.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, on chronic dialysis, or have other conditions requiring mechanical ventilation unrelated to intoxication will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of drug intoxications and reduce recovery time for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using hemadsorption for drug elimination, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. older than18 years
2. Admission to ICU
3. GCS \< 8 or requiring Flumazenil 8 hours after hospital admission
4. Having an intoxication with a benzodiazepine or tricyclic antidepressant that we can measure/quantify
5. Having a risk factor for delayed drug elimination defined as either Cirrhosis CHILD B/C or chronic kidney insufficiency KDIGO 3b or worse

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant patient
2. Patients in chronic dialysis before admission
3. Need for mechanical ventilation for other reasons than intoxications (e.g. pneumonia, neurotrauma)
4. Concomitant pathology requiring continued intravenous sedation
5. Known history of seizures
6. Contra-indication to heparin use
7. DNR restricting the use of mechanical ventilation or dialysis

Where this trial is running

Brussels, Brussels Capital

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: Intoxication by Drug, Benzodiazepine, Tricyclic antidepressant, Intoxication, Hemadsorption

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.