Using nerve stimulation to manage inflammation in septic shock

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (TVNS) to regulate inflammation and autonomic imbalance in patients suffering from septic shock. The study aims to activate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway through non-invasive stimulation at the tragus of the ear, potentially leading to improved outcomes in sepsis management. By targeting the autonomic nervous system, the trial seeks to address a critical gap in current treatment approaches for this life-threatening condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Septic shock (meeting severe sepsis and having persistent systolic blood pressure \<90mmHg despite adequate fluid resuscitation).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unilateral or bilateral vagotomy
* History of myocardial infarction or stroke in the last 1 year
* Recurrent vasovagal syncope
* Sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker
* Bifascicular heart block
* 2nd or 3rd-degree heart block
* Hypotension due to autonomic dysfunction
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners and patients with suicidal ideation

Where it's running

• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Houssein Youness, MD — University of Oklahoma
• Study coordinator: Houssein Youness, MD
• Email: Houssein-Youness@ouhsc.edu
• Phone: 405-271-6173

Similar studies

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

• Adjunctive Fludrocortisone in Septic Shock on Hydrocortisone

  In septic shock, this trial tests whether adding fludrocortisone (50 mcg or 100 mcg daily) to hydrocortisone improves survival and recovery compared with placebo.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 3 The George Institute · Penrith, New South Wales and 7 other locations · NCT07898462

• Non-invasive hemodynamic guidance for sepsis care on medical wards

  This trial tests whether guiding fluid and vasopressor therapy for sepsis using non-invasive hemodynamic measurements works better than standard care.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Regione del Veneto - AULSS n. 7 Pedemontana · Pisa, Pisa and 1 other locations · NCT07863323

• Reducing Endotoxin Burden in Septic Shock Patients on CRRT with the oXiris Filter

  This trial tests whether using the oXiris hemofilter during continuous kidney replacement helps lower endotoxin levels in adults with septic shock who need CRRT.

  Recruiting Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT07807410

• Personalized Fluid Resuscitation in the Emergency Department

  This pilot test checks if a quick, non-invasive stroke-volume assessment can help ED doctors tailor IV fluids for septic patients with low blood pressure.

  Recruiting Intermountain Health Care, Inc. · Murray, Utah · NCT07779720

• Discordance between capillary refill time and oxygen use in septic shock

  This study tests whether some septic shock patients can have a normal capillary refill time but still lack tissue oxygen use, to see if that mismatch relates to 28-day survival.

  Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Istanbul · NCT07774962

• Targeting upper-normal magnesium to see if norepinephrine needs drop in septic shock

  This trial tests whether keeping magnesium levels at the upper end of normal can reduce the amount and duration of norepinephrine needed in adults with septic shock.

  Recruiting Alexandria University · Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate · NCT07716956

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.