Active clinical trials for "Critical Illness"

Myocardial strain analysis has emerged in the last decade as a reliable tool for studying myocardial mechanics, adding information on cardiac performance when compared with traditional parameters of left ventricle (LV) systolic function, such as ejection fraction (EF). However, their relative load dependency makes the myocardial deformation indices unable to account for changes in pre- and afterload. Myocardial work (MW) is emerging as an alternative tool for studying LV myocardial systolic function, because it incorporates both deformation and load into its analysis. The purpose of this observational trial is to validate the use of MW in septic shock patients by means of consecutive echocardiographic assessment at predefined timepoints. Secondarily, we'll evaluate the impact of the vasoactive drugs used in septic shock patients (vasopressors and inotropes) on MW and on ventriculo-arterial coupling.

Nutrition therapy is an essential standard of care for all critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated and remain in the intensive care unit for more than a few days. The investigators plan to conduct a 4,000 patient, double-blind, randomised controlled trial to determine if augmentation of calorie delivery using energy dense enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients improves 90 day survival when compared to routine care.

This study is developed for assessing the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous (IV) clonidine in critically ill patients on the ICU, and to estimate the optimal dosing strategy for IV clonidine.

Patients who receive life support in intensive care units commonly suffer from persistent depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after discharge. We are trying to learn which is a better way to manage this distress: a telephone-based adaptive coping skills training program or an educational program.

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are especially at risk for invasive candidiasis due to the presence of risk factors. It is known that in critically ill patients, alterations in function of various organs and body systems can influence the pharmacokinetics and hence the plasma concentration of a drug. A study of caspofungin in ICU patients has found a high inter- and intra-individual variability in caspofungin concentration. Factors that caused subtherapeutic caspofungin plasma concentrations were body weight > 75 kg and hypoalbuminemia. Furthermore, an efficacy study showed a lower response rate for caspofungin among patients with a higher disease severity score. As a result of the altered pharmacokinetics, under- or over-exposure of caspofungin can occur in critically ill patients and an adjusted dosage might be necessary in these patients.

Most critically ill patients are confronted with hyperglycaemia, which is associated with an increased mortality and morbidity risk. Normalising these elevated blood glucose levels by intensive insulin therapy may improve patient outcome, but is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The LOGIC-2 study hypothesises that the LOGIC-Insulin computerised software algorithm will allow better (less hyperglycaemia) and safer (less hypoglycaemia) blood glucose control in critically ill patients than nurse-directed blood glucose control.

Stress hyperglycemia occurs in 50-85% of patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, randomized controlled trials examining the effects of strict glycemic control demonstrated conflicting results. A common finding in these trials was the high risk of hypoglycaemia. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) on glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia in severely ill MICU patients with an APACHE-II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) score ≥20.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of probiotics in enteral nutrition on improving gut function, inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Rationale: It is well known that distinctly abnormal blood potassium values can cause serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Although potassium regulation is generally considered important, hardly any research has been done about potassium regulation in intensive care patients. The investigators hypothesize that different potassium target-values, within the as normal accepted range, may have different effects in critically ill patients. Study design: A prospective trial comparing two different potassium target-values. Potassium will be tightly regulated with the already fully operational GRIP-II computer program. Study population: 1200 adult patients admitted at the thoracic intensive care unit of the University Medical Center Groningen. Intervention: Comparison between two variations of standard therapy: potassium target-value of 4.0 mmol/L versus 4.5 mmol/L. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary endpoint is the incidence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter from ICU-admission to hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints are serum levels of potassium and the other main electrolytes, renal function and renal potassium excretion, the relation with insulin and glucose, the cumulative fluid balance, (ICU) length of stay and mortality.

The purpose of this study is to test if a 6-week programme of exercise improves physical function and health related quality of life in patients following intensive care who are discharged from hospital. In this study the investigators will compare the physical function and health related quality of life of patients who attend the programme with patients who do not. The 6 week exercise programme will be run by physiotherapy staff, and will mostly take place in a hospital gym. The investigators will measure patients' physical function, exercise capacity, level of breathlessness and their quality of life before and after the 6-week programme, and 6 months later. The investigators will also interview patients to ask their views about the acceptability, enjoyment and satisfaction with the exercise programme. If this study shows that the physical function and health related quality of life are improved in those who took part in the exercise programme, then it will provide useful information which will help the development of services for patients after critical illness. The results will also provide information which will help us design future clinical trials for this patient population.