Using supplemental oxygen to treat pulmonary embolism

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 study investigates the effects of supplemental oxygen on patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and its potential to alleviate right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). In a randomized, crossover design, adult patients will receive either supplemental oxygen or room air, with therapy alternated at specified intervals. Echocardiograms and blood samples will be collected to assess the impact of oxygen therapy on RVD and to analyze metabolic changes. The goal is to understand how oxygen therapy may improve patient outcomes in acute PE.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥18 years old
* Confirmed Pulmonary Embolism (PE) on imaging \<24 hours prior to enrollment
* New symptom onset and / or worsening symptoms \<72 hours
* Confirmation of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) by clinician
* Oxygen saturation ≥90% while breathing room air

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemodynamic instability
* Use of vasopressors or mechanical circulatory support
* Planned use of thrombolytics or plan for embolectomy
* Oxygen saturation \<90% while breathing room air
* New onset arrhythmia
* History of pulmonary hypertension, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring home oxygen or chronic steroid use, hypoventilation syndrome requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), or congestive heart failure (CHF) with LV ejection fraction \< 40% or chronic oxygen therapy
* Known pregnancy
* Vasodilator medication used in the past 24 hours
* Symptom onset ≥72 hours
* Inability to wear a face mask
* Inability to obtain adequate baseline echocardiogram

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christopher Kabrhel, MD, MPH — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Christopher Kabrhel, MD, MPH
• Email: ckabhrel@mgb.org
• Phone: 617-726-7622

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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.