Using low-dose vasopressors through peripheral catheters in ICU patients

The PULSE Study - The Peripheral Use of Low-dose Vasopressors for Safety and Efficacy in the Intensive Care Unit: a Pilot Feasibility Study

Phase 2 Interventional Queen's University · NCT06920173

This study is testing if giving low-dose vasopressors through regular IVs can safely help critically ill patients in the ICU instead of using more invasive central lines.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06920173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of administering low-dose vasopressors through peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Traditionally, vasopressors are delivered via central venous catheters (CVCs), which can lead to complications such as infections and thrombosis. The study aims to determine if PVCs can be a viable alternative, potentially expediting treatment and reducing the risks associated with CVC placement. By conducting a randomized control trial, the researchers hope to provide high-quality data to support the use of peripheral vasopressors in managing shock.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 or older experiencing shock who do not have a central line or PICC line already placed.

Not a fit: Patients who require urgent dialysis or those needing more than two vasopressors to maintain blood pressure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve patient outcomes by allowing faster and safer administration of vasopressors in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: While previous observational studies have suggested the safety of peripheral vasopressor use, this randomized control trial represents a novel approach to validate these findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 or older who do not have a central line or PICC line already placed
* Presence of shock requiring vasopressors at the following minimum doses: norepinephrine 5 mcg/min, phenylephrine 50 mcg/min, epinephrine 5 mc/min, dobutamine 5 mcg/kg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Urgent need for dialysis requiring placement of hemodialysis catheter
* More than two vasopressors are required to maintain a MAP \>65 on admission to the ICU
* Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

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 ShockPeripheral Venous CatheterizationCentral Venous CatheterizationCritically Ill Patients Admitted in ICUcritical illnessperipheral vasopressor useintensive care unitfeasibility study
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.