Study Evaluating Dexmedetomidine in the Acute Treatment of Electrical Storm

Launched by OTTAWA HEART INSTITUTE RESEARCH CORPORATION · Feb 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of a medication called dexmedetomidine to see if it can help patients who are experiencing a serious heart condition known as electrical storm. Electrical storm happens when the heart has repeated dangerous rhythms called ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to severe complications. The researchers want to find out if giving patients dexmedetomidine for 48 to 72 hours in the intensive care unit can provide significant benefits compared to a placebo (a treatment that looks the same but doesn’t contain the active medication).

To participate in this study, individuals need to be over 18 years old and admitted to the intensive care unit with electrical storm. There are some specific conditions that may prevent someone from joining, such as certain types of shock or heart issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the dexmedetomidine or the placebo, and they will be monitored closely throughout the treatment. This research is important as it may help doctors find better ways to manage this serious heart condition in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - All patients admitted to an intensive care unit with electrical storm over the age of 18 years will be approached for enrollment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Refractory shock lasting for more than 30 minutes unrelated to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), defined as requiring two or more vasopressors
• • SCAI class D or E cardiogenic shock
• • Cardiac arrest(s) with a no-flow and low-flow total time of greater than 10 minutes prior to recruitment.
• • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-induced VA with signs of active ischemia.
• • Bradycardia with heart rate less than 40 beats per minute, bradycardia-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia, second degree Mobitz type 2 or greater atrioventricular block in the absence of a pacemaker.
• • Pregnancy
• • Known dexmedetomidine allergy or intolerance
• • Inability to obtain consent from patient or substitute decision maker.
• • Patients who have received dexmedetomidine or clonidine during the 24 hours prior to randomization