The ED-AWARENESS-2 Trial

Launched by WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Sep 6, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ED-AWARENESS-2 Trial is studying how to improve care for patients who are put on mechanical ventilation in the emergency department (ED). Specifically, the trial will look at the use of different medications called neuromuscular blockers, which help doctors with a procedure called intubation (inserting a tube to help patients breathe). The researchers will compare the usual care with a new approach that uses a medication called succinylcholine as the first choice instead of rocuronium, which has been linked to higher risks of complications like awareness during ventilation. The goal is to see if this change can reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes.

To participate in the trial, patients must be at least 18 years old, need mechanical ventilation through an endotracheal tube, and be treated with a neuromuscular blocker. However, patients with certain serious brain injuries or those who pass away before being taken off the ventilator will not be eligible. Throughout the study, participants can expect to receive the best care available, and the researchers will closely monitor the effects of these medication changes. This trial aims to enhance how care is provided in emergency situations, ensuring that patients have a safer and more effective experience.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube
• • 2. Age ≥ 18 years
• • 3. Treatment with a neuromuscular blocker (for endotracheal intubation or during the post-intubation phase of care)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Acute or chronic neurologic injury with deficit that prevents assessment of AWP (i.e. stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, severe dementia)
• • 2. Death before extubation
• • 3. Transfer to another hospital from the ED