DeliriumPhase 4ClodexNCT04758936
Clonidine vs. Dexmedetomidine in Agitated Delirium in Intensive Care Patients
A Phase 4 study testing Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine in people with Delirium and Critical Illness, run by Erasme University Hospital at 3 sites in Belgium.
Trial summary
Delirium is one of the most common manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in severely ill patients. The international guidelines for the prevention of delirium in intensive care recommend the daily application of environmental, behavioral and pharmacological strategies. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Delirium, Critical Illness
- What is being tested?
- Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesBelgium
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2021to 28 Feb 2023
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- present agitated delirium, confirmed by the CAM-ICU diagnostic scale
- require mechanical restraint or psychotropic / sedative
Who cannot join
- Acute neurological central or medullary problems (vascular, traumatic, infectious, tumoral causes)
- Severe hepatic insufficiency (Child C cirrhosis)
- Severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <30ml / min) or renal replacement therapy
- Bradycardia <60 / min
- 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block (unless placed pacemaker)
- Hemodynamic instability (MAP <60mmHg despite adequate vascular filling and vasopressor treatment).
Show all 10Show fewer
- Pregnant woman or breastfeeding
- Use of α-2 agonist or antagonist agents within 24 hours of randomization
- Allergy known to one of the α-2 agonists used in the study
- Moribund patient (survival prognosis at limited 24h or therapeutic de-escalation envisaged)
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
Belgium3 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
CUB Erasme Hospital ULB
Brussels, 1070
Lheureux Olivier, MD, olivier.lheureux@erasme.ulb.ac.be
- Recruiting
Civil hospital Marie Curie
Charleroi
Fagnoul David, MD
david.fagnoul@chu-charleroi.be
- Recruiting
Clinique Saint-Pierre
Ottignies
Serck Nicolas, MD, nicolas.serck@cspo.be
About this study
Official title: Effect of Clonidine vs. Dexmedetomidine in Addition to Standard Treatment in Agitated Delirium in Intensive Care Patients: Pilot Study.
Delirium is one of the most common manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in severely ill patients.
The international guidelines for the prevention of delirium in intensive care recommend the daily application of environmental, behavioral and pharmacological strategies. In the case of the agitated form of delirium, experts recommend the use of low-dose neuroleptics and α-2 agonists to control psychotic manifestations rather than traditional sedatives (mainly benzodiazepines) that can clearly aggravate delirium.
Read more
Currently, two pharmacological α-2 agonists, clonidine (Catapressan®, Boehringer Ingelheim) and dexmedetomidine (Dexdor®, Orion Corporation), are marketed and commonly used in intensive care for their sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties.
To our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Therefore, our goal is to compare the safety of clonidine and dexmedetomidine (in terms of bradycardia and / or hypotension) in addition to standard treatment in the context of agitated delirium in intensive care patients.
Read the detailed description
Delirium is one of the most common manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in severely ill patients (60 to 80% of ventilated patients), leading not only to short-term complications (prolonged duration of ventilation, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality) but also long-term repercussions in the form of impaired cognitive functions, post-traumatic stress syndromes, and decreased quality of life. Different forms of delirium coexist: some patients are very agitated while others are, on the contrary, in an apathetic state. In intensive care patients, the agitated form of delirium is particularly problematic because of the risk of self-extubation and removal of other critical medical devices.
Pain, stress, anxiety and deregulation of wake / sleep cycles are important risk factors for delirium occurrence and are unfortunately frequently encountered in varying degrees in intensive care.
The international guidelines for the prevention of delirium in intensive care recommend the daily application of environmental, behavioral and pharmacological strategies. Thus, the early mobilization of the patient, the respect of the waking / sleep cycles, the adequate control of the pain represent effective measures of prevention. These guidelines also emphasize the importance of minimal use of sedative treatments while ensuring the comfort and safety of patients.
Finally, in the case of the agitated form of delirium, experts recommend the use of low-dose neuroleptics and α-2 agonists to control psychotic manifestations rather than traditional sedatives (mainly benzodiazepines) that can clearly aggravate delirium.
The α-2 receptors constitute a family of receptors coupled to transmembrane G proteins with 3 pharmacological subtypes, α-2A, α-2B and α-2C. The α-2A and α-2C subtypes are mainly found in the central nervous system. Stimulation of these receptor subtypes may be responsible for sedation, analgesia and sympatholytic effects. Α-2B receptors are more common on vascular smooth muscle and have been shown to have vasopressor effects. By their inhibitory action on adenylyl cyclase, the 3 subtypes have several effects: 1) they reduce the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, 2) they cause a hyperpolarization of noradrenergic neurons in the brain stem, in particular in the locus ceruleus, 3) they suppress the neural discharge. This suppression inhibits the release of norepinephrine into the synapse resulting in a modulatory effect on the anxiety, wakefulness and sleep of patients. Activation of this negative feedback loop may also result in reduced heart rate and blood pressure by sympatholytic action.
Currently, two pharmacological α-2 agonists, clonidine (Catapressan®, Boehringer Ingelheim) and dexmedetomidine (Dexdor®, Orion Corporation), are marketed and commonly used in intensive care for their sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties. Unlike traditional sedatives (benzodiazepines and propofol) that leave the patient unresponsive to stimuli or stupor, sedation achieved by administering these α-2 agonists has several advantages. The α-2 agonists lower the general level of alertness (NREM, indifference to the environment and pain), but leave the waking ability intact. Therefore, under α-2 agonists, patients are more easily awake until a return to full consciousness, able to respond to simple orders, participate in their sessions of physiotherapy and communicate, within the limits of the presence of an intubation probe or non-invasive ventilation mask. In addition, these agents do not cause respiratory depression.
Clonidine is an α-2 agonist that has an affinity of 200/1 for α-2 receptors versus α-1 receptors. Initially marketed for its antihypertensive properties, clonidine is used in intensive care for its sedative and analgesic effects, especially in the treatment of delirium or alcohol withdrawal syndromes (alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines). The pharmacodynamics of this α-2 agonist is characterized by hepatic metabolism and renal elimination. The half-life elimination time is about 24 hours. The doses administered ranged from 0.01 μg / kg / min to 0.03 μg / kg / min and the main reported side effects were: bradycardia, low blood pressure and dry mouth. Pharmacodynamically, clonidine has the advantage to be very affordable (about 90 euros per patient for a week of treatment).
Dexmedetomidine is the newest of the α-2 agonists. Its affinity and specificity for α-2 receptors is much greater than that of clonidine (1600/1 α-2 / α-1 receptors)25. The pharmacodynamics of this α-2 agonist is characterized by hepatic metabolism and elimination almost completely renal. The half-life elimination time is about 2 hours. The recommended doses vary between 0.4 μg / kg / h and can be titrated up to 1.4 μg / kg / h. The main reported side effects are: bradycardia and low blood pressure. Its cost, on the other hand, is much higher (800 euros per patient for a one week treatment). The efficacy of dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated in terms of reduced mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of hospitalization when compared to placebo, traditional sedatives (propofol or benzodiazepines), neuroletics in the context of critical care delirium.
To date, only one study has compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in a prospective, randomized manner (n = 70) in order to achieve short-term deep sedation in post-operative mechanical ventilation patients. Study confirms sedative efficacy of α-2 agonists and suggests greater hemodynamic stability under dexmedetomidine.
To our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Therefore, our goal is to compare the safety of clonidine and dexmedetomidine (in terms of bradycardia and / or hypotension) in addition to standard treatment in the context of agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Bradycardia is defined by a heart rate <60 / min (or a decrease of 20% of the initial heart rate) and arterial hypotension by one of the following criteria:
- systolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg o(r a decrease of 20% of the initial systolic arterial pressure)
- initiation of a vasopressor treatment
- 10% increase in the dose of vasopressor treatment, if already started
- Conditions
- Delirium, Critical Illness
- Being tested
- Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine
- Keywords
- Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine, Delirium, intensive care
- Medical subject headings
- Delirium, Critical Illness
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ClonidineDrug
Also called Dexmedetomidine
The doses administered (clonidine 1500mg diluted in NaCl0.9% solution of 50 ml) ranged from 0.01μg/kg/min to 0.03μg/kg/min.
DexmedetomidineDrug
The doses administered (dexmedetomidine 200mg diluted in NaCl0.9% 50ml) ranged from 0.4μg/kg/h and can be titrated up to 1.4μg/kg/h.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Clonidine | Experimental | Given that agitated delirium requires rapid medical intervention, α-2 agonist therapy (clonidine) will be administered as soon as possible, The sedative and analgesic treatments will be administered and titrated according to the scales on the usual protocol of the service (evaluation of sedation (NICS) and analgesia (VAS, BPS, BPS-NI). In case of excessive sedation assessed by the scores and administration of combined treatments (α-2 agonist and other sedatives), the reduction of the doses of other sedatives will be preferred over the α-2 agonist treatment. In case of insufficient sedation despite maximal doses of α-2 agonist, other sedatives (choosen by the attending physician) will administered and titrated according to the scales for pain and sedation evaluation. Receives: Drug: Clonidine |
| Dexmedetomidine | Experimental | Given that agitated delirium requires rapid medical intervention, α-2 agonist therapy (dexmedetomidine) will be administered as soon as possible. The α-2 agonist treatment that will be started will depend on the allocation of the previously randomized unit. The sedative and analgesic treatments will be administered and titrated according to the scales on the usual protocol of the service (evaluation of sedation (NICS) and analgesia (VAS, BPS, BPS-NI). In case of excessive sedation assessed by the scores and administration of combined treatments (α-2 agonist and other sedatives), the reduction of the doses of other sedatives will be preferred over the α-2 agonist treatment. In case of insufficient sedation despite maximal doses of α-2 agonist, other sedatives (choosen by the attending physician) will administered and titrated according to the scales for pain and sedation evaluation. Receives: Drug: Dexmedetomidine |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
hemodynamic tolerance
Bradycardia is defined by a heart rate <60 / min (or a decrease of 20% of the initial heart rate) and arterial hypotension by one of the following criteria:
- systolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg o(r a decrease of 20% of the initial systolic arterial pressure)
- initiation of a vasopressor treatment
- 10% increase in the dose of vasopressor treatment, if already started
Measured: Up to 7 days
Secondary outcomes (11)
number of living days without ventilation over 28 days
Measured: Up to 28 days
time to obtain a sedative sedation score (NICS -1 to 1)
NICS = Nursing instrument confusion score. From -3 to + 3. Positive means agitation. Negative means sedation.
Measured: up to 7 days
time to obtain a first CAM-ICU test indicating the absence of delirium
Confusion assessment method in ICU). CAM ICU positive means delirium.
Measured: Up to 7 days
duration of delirium by evaluation CAM-ICU
Confusion assessment method in ICU). CAM ICU positive means delirium.
Measured: Up to 7 days
use of other sedative and psychotropic medications (number and total doses)
Measured: Up to 7 days
number of catheters / agitation extubation
Measured: Up to 7 days
Number of patients with tracheostomy
Measured: Up to 28 days
daily assessment of organ dysfunction by SOFA score
Sequential Organ Failure assessment score. From 0 to 24. 24 means worse outcome.
Measured: Up to 7 days
28 day survival or exit from the ICU
Measured: Up to 28 days
length of stay USI
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
length of hospital stay
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Feb 2021
- Study start1 Feb 2021
- Primary completion28 Feb 2022 (estimated)
- Study completion28 Feb 2023 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (29)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for DeliriumStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Erasme University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Olivier Lheureux, Erasme University Hospital
- Investigators
- Creteur Jacques, MD PhD, Study director, CUB Erasme Hospital ULB
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04758936
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P2020/421
- Acronym
- Clodex
- Status last verified
- Feb 2021
- First submitted
- 10 Feb 2021
- Last updated
- 17 Feb 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ely EW, Shintani A, Truman B, Speroff T, Gordon SM, Harrell FE Jr, Inouye SK, Bernard GR, Dittus RS. Delirium as a predictor of mortality in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1753-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1753.
PubMed 15082703Pandharipande PP, Girard TD, Jackson JC, Morandi A, Thompson JL, Pun BT, Brummel NE, Hughes CG, Vasilevskis EE, Shintani AK, Moons KG, Geevarghese SK, Canonico A, Hopkins RO, Bernard GR, Dittus RS, Ely EW; BRAIN-ICU Study Investigators. Long-term cognitive impairment after critical illness. N Engl J Med. 2013 Oct 3;369(14):1306-16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1301372.
PubMed 24088092van den Boogaard M, Schoonhoven L, Evers AW, van der Hoeven JG, van Achterberg T, Pickkers P. Delirium in critically ill patients: impact on long-term health-related quality of life and cognitive functioning. Crit Care Med. 2012 Jan;40(1):112-8. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31822e9fc9.
PubMed 21926597Girard TD, Pandharipande PP, Ely EW. Delirium in the intensive care unit. Crit Care. 2008;12 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S3. doi: 10.1186/cc6149. Epub 2008 May 14.
PubMed 18495054Dubois MJ, Bergeron N, Dumont M, Dial S, Skrobik Y. Delirium in an intensive care unit: a study of risk factors. Intensive Care Med. 2001 Aug;27(8):1297-304. doi: 10.1007/s001340101017.
PubMed 11511942Reade MC, Finfer S. Sedation and delirium in the intensive care unit. N Engl J Med. 2014 Jan 30;370(5):444-54. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1208705. No abstract available.
PubMed 24476433Devlin JW, Skrobik Y, Gelinas C, Needham DM, Slooter AJC, Pandharipande PP, Watson PL, Weinhouse GL, Nunnally ME, Rochwerg B, Balas MC, van den Boogaard M, Bosma KJ, Brummel NE, Chanques G, Denehy L, Drouot X, Fraser GL, Harris JE, Joffe AM, Kho ME, Kress JP, Lanphere JA, McKinley S, Neufeld KJ, Pisani MA, Payen JF, Pun BT, Puntillo KA, Riker RR, Robinson BRH, Shehabi Y, Szumita PM, Winkelman C, Centofanti JE, Price C, Nikayin S, Misak CJ, Flood PD, Kiedrowski K, Alhazzani W. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU. Crit Care Med. 2018 Sep;46(9):e825-e873. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003299.
PubMed 30113379DAS-Taskforce 2015; Baron R, Binder A, Biniek R, Braune S, Buerkle H, Dall P, Demirakca S, Eckardt R, Eggers V, Eichler I, Fietze I, Freys S, Frund A, Garten L, Gohrbandt B, Harth I, Hartl W, Heppner HJ, Horter J, Huth R, Janssens U, Jungk C, Kaeuper KM, Kessler P, Kleinschmidt S, Kochanek M, Kumpf M, Meiser A, Mueller A, Orth M, Putensen C, Roth B, Schaefer M, Schaefers R, Schellongowski P, Schindler M, Schmitt R, Scholz J, Schroeder S, Schwarzmann G, Spies C, Stingele R, Tonner P, Trieschmann U, Tryba M, Wappler F, Waydhas C, Weiss B, Weisshaar G. Evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of delirium, analgesia, and sedation in intensive care medicine. Revision 2015 (DAS-Guideline 2015) - short version. Ger Med Sci. 2015 Nov 12;13:Doc19. doi: 10.3205/000223. eCollection 2015.
PubMed 26609286Buerkle H, Yaksh TL. Pharmacological evidence for different alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sites mediating analgesia and sedation in the rat. Br J Anaesth. 1998 Aug;81(2):208-15. doi: 10.1093/bja/81.2.208.
PubMed 9813525Pichot C, Ghignone M, Quintin L. Dexmedetomidine and clonidine: from second- to first-line sedative agents in the critical care setting? J Intensive Care Med. 2012 Jul-Aug;27(4):219-37. doi: 10.1177/0885066610396815. Epub 2011 Apr 27.
PubMed 21525113Patel SB, Kress JP. Sedation and analgesia in the mechanically ventilated patient. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012 Mar 1;185(5):486-97. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201102-0273CI. Epub 2011 Oct 20.
PubMed 22016443Barr J, Fraser GL, Puntillo K, Ely EW, Gelinas C, Dasta JF, Davidson JE, Devlin JW, Kress JP, Joffe AM, Coursin DB, Herr DL, Tung A, Robinson BR, Fontaine DK, Ramsay MA, Riker RR, Sessler CN, Pun B, Skrobik Y, Jaeschke R; American College of Critical Care Medicine. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit: executive summary. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013 Jan 1;70(1):53-8. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/70.1.53.
PubMed 23261901Miyazaki S, Uchida S, Mukai J, Nishihara K. Clonidine effects on all-night human sleep: opposite action of low- and medium-dose clonidine on human NREM-REM sleep proportion. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2004 Apr;58(2):138-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2003.01207.x.
PubMed 15009817Huupponen E, Maksimow A, Lapinlampi P, Sarkela M, Saastamoinen A, Snapir A, Scheinin H, Scheinin M, Merilainen P, Himanen SL, Jaaskelainen S. Electroencephalogram spindle activity during dexmedetomidine sedation and physiological sleep. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2008 Feb;52(2):289-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2007.01537.x. Epub 2007 Nov 14.
PubMed 18005372Riker RR, Shehabi Y, Bokesch PM, Ceraso D, Wisemandle W, Koura F, Whitten P, Margolis BD, Byrne DW, Ely EW, Rocha MG; SEDCOM (Safety and Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Compared With Midazolam) Study Group. Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for sedation of critically ill patients: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2009 Feb 4;301(5):489-99. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.56. Epub 2009 Feb 2.
PubMed 19188334
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Feb 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Clonidine vs. Dexmedetomidine in Addition to Standard Treatment in Agitated Delirium in Intensive Care Patients: Pilot Study.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04758936
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Clodex / P2020/421
- Conditions
- Delirium, Critical Illness
- Keywords
- Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine, Delirium, intensive care
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Erasme University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Feb 2022 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 28 Feb 2023 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Feb 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Delirium is one of the most common manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in severely ill patients.
The international guidelines for the prevention of delirium in intensive care recommend the daily application of environmental, behavioral and pharmacological strategies. In the case of the agitated form of delirium, experts recommend the use of low-dose neuroleptics and α-2 agonists to control psychotic manifestations rather than traditional sedatives (mainly benzodiazepines) that can clearly aggravate delirium.
Currently, two pharmacological α-2 agonists, clonidine (Catapressan®, Boehringer Ingelheim) and dexmedetomidine (Dexdor®, Orion Corporation), are marketed and commonly used in intensive care for their sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties.
To our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Therefore, our goal is to compare the safety of clonidine and dexmedetomidine (in terms of bradycardia and / or hypotension) in addition to standard treatment in the context of agitated delirium in intensive care patients.
Detailed description
Delirium is one of the most common manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in severely ill patients (60 to 80% of ventilated patients), leading not only to short-term complications (prolonged duration of ventilation, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality) but also long-term repercussions in the form of impaired cognitive functions, post-traumatic stress syndromes, and decreased quality of life. Different forms of delirium coexist: some patients are very agitated while others are, on the contrary, in an apathetic state. In intensive care patients, the agitated form of delirium is particularly problematic because of the risk of self-extubation and removal of other critical medical devices.
Pain, stress, anxiety and deregulation of wake / sleep cycles are important risk factors for delirium occurrence and are unfortunately frequently encountered in varying degrees in intensive care.
The international guidelines for the prevention of delirium in intensive care recommend the daily application of environmental, behavioral and pharmacological strategies. Thus, the early mobilization of the patient, the respect of the waking / sleep cycles, the adequate control of the pain represent effective measures of prevention. These guidelines also emphasize the importance of minimal use of sedative treatments while ensuring the comfort and safety of patients.
Finally, in the case of the agitated form of delirium, experts recommend the use of low-dose neuroleptics and α-2 agonists to control psychotic manifestations rather than traditional sedatives (mainly benzodiazepines) that can clearly aggravate delirium.
The α-2 receptors constitute a family of receptors coupled to transmembrane G proteins with 3 pharmacological subtypes, α-2A, α-2B and α-2C. The α-2A and α-2C subtypes are mainly found in the central nervous system. Stimulation of these receptor subtypes may be responsible for sedation, analgesia and sympatholytic effects. Α-2B receptors are more common on vascular smooth muscle and have been shown to have vasopressor effects. By their inhibitory action on adenylyl cyclase, the 3 subtypes have several effects: 1) they reduce the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, 2) they cause a hyperpolarization of noradrenergic neurons in the brain stem, in particular in the locus ceruleus, 3) they suppress the neural discharge. This suppression inhibits the release of norepinephrine into the synapse resulting in a modulatory effect on the anxiety, wakefulness and sleep of patients. Activation of this negative feedback loop may also result in reduced heart rate and blood pressure by sympatholytic action.
Currently, two pharmacological α-2 agonists, clonidine (Catapressan®, Boehringer Ingelheim) and dexmedetomidine (Dexdor®, Orion Corporation), are marketed and commonly used in intensive care for their sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties. Unlike traditional sedatives (benzodiazepines and propofol) that leave the patient unresponsive to stimuli or stupor, sedation achieved by administering these α-2 agonists has several advantages. The α-2 agonists lower the general level of alertness (NREM, indifference to the environment and pain), but leave the waking ability intact. Therefore, under α-2 agonists, patients are more easily awake until a return to full consciousness, able to respond to simple orders, participate in their sessions of physiotherapy and communicate, within the limits of the presence of an intubation probe or non-invasive ventilation mask. In addition, these agents do not cause respiratory depression.
Clonidine is an α-2 agonist that has an affinity of 200/1 for α-2 receptors versus α-1 receptors. Initially marketed for its antihypertensive properties, clonidine is used in intensive care for its sedative and analgesic effects, especially in the treatment of delirium or alcohol withdrawal syndromes (alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines). The pharmacodynamics of this α-2 agonist is characterized by hepatic metabolism and renal elimination. The half-life elimination time is about 24 hours. The doses administered ranged from 0.01 μg / kg / min to 0.03 μg / kg / min and the main reported side effects were: bradycardia, low blood pressure and dry mouth. Pharmacodynamically, clonidine has the advantage to be very affordable (about 90 euros per patient for a week of treatment).
Dexmedetomidine is the newest of the α-2 agonists. Its affinity and specificity for α-2 receptors is much greater than that of clonidine (1600/1 α-2 / α-1 receptors)25. The pharmacodynamics of this α-2 agonist is characterized by hepatic metabolism and elimination almost completely renal. The half-life elimination time is about 2 hours. The recommended doses vary between 0.4 μg / kg / h and can be titrated up to 1.4 μg / kg / h. The main reported side effects are: bradycardia and low blood pressure. Its cost, on the other hand, is much higher (800 euros per patient for a one week treatment). The efficacy of dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated in terms of reduced mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of hospitalization when compared to placebo, traditional sedatives (propofol or benzodiazepines), neuroletics in the context of critical care delirium.
To date, only one study has compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in a prospective, randomized manner (n = 70) in order to achieve short-term deep sedation in post-operative mechanical ventilation patients. Study confirms sedative efficacy of α-2 agonists and suggests greater hemodynamic stability under dexmedetomidine.
To our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Therefore, our goal is to compare the safety of clonidine and dexmedetomidine (in terms of bradycardia and / or hypotension) in addition to standard treatment in the context of agitated delirium in intensive care patients. Bradycardia is defined by a heart rate <60 / min (or a decrease of 20% of the initial heart rate) and arterial hypotension by one of the following criteria:
- systolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg o(r a decrease of 20% of the initial systolic arterial pressure)
- initiation of a vasopressor treatment
- 10% increase in the dose of vasopressor treatment, if already started
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Clonidine | Experimental | Drug: ClonidineGiven that agitated delirium requires rapid medical intervention, α-2 agonist therapy (clonidine) will be administered as soon as possible, The sedative and analgesic treatments will be administered and titrated according to the scales on the usual protocol of the service (evaluation of sedation (NICS) and analgesia (VAS, BPS, BPS-NI). In case of excessive sedation assessed by the scores and administration of combined treatments (α-2 agonist and other sedatives), the reduction of the doses of other sedatives will be preferred over the α-2 agonist treatment. In case of insufficient sedation despite maximal doses of α-2 agonist, other sedatives (choosen by the attending physician) will administered and titrated according to the scales for pain and sedation evaluation. |
| Dexmedetomidine | Experimental | Drug: DexmedetomidineGiven that agitated delirium requires rapid medical intervention, α-2 agonist therapy (dexmedetomidine) will be administered as soon as possible. The α-2 agonist treatment that will be started will depend on the allocation of the previously randomized unit. The sedative and analgesic treatments will be administered and titrated according to the scales on the usual protocol of the service (evaluation of sedation (NICS) and analgesia (VAS, BPS, BPS-NI). In case of excessive sedation assessed by the scores and administration of combined treatments (α-2 agonist and other sedatives), the reduction of the doses of other sedatives will be preferred over the α-2 agonist treatment. In case of insufficient sedation despite maximal doses of α-2 agonist, other sedatives (choosen by the attending physician) will administered and titrated according to the scales for pain and sedation evaluation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- present agitated delirium, confirmed by the CAM-ICU diagnostic scale
- require mechanical restraint or psychotropic / sedative
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Acute neurological central or medullary problems (vascular, traumatic, infectious, tumoral causes)
- Severe hepatic insufficiency (Child C cirrhosis)
- Severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <30ml / min) or renal replacement therapy
- Bradycardia <60 / min
- 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block (unless placed pacemaker)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ClonidineAlso: DexmedetomidineThe doses administered (clonidine 1500mg diluted in NaCl0.9% solution of 50 ml) ranged from 0.01μg/kg/min to 0.03μg/kg/min. | Drug | Clonidine |
| DexmedetomidineThe doses administered (dexmedetomidine 200mg diluted in NaCl0.9% 50ml) ranged from 0.4μg/kg/h and can be titrated up to 1.4μg/kg/h. | Drug | Dexmedetomidine |
Primary outcome
hemodynamic tolerance
Time frame: Up to 7 days
Bradycardia is defined by a heart rate <60 / min (or a decrease of 20% of the initial heart rate) and arterial hypotension by one of the following criteria: * systolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg o(r a decrease of 20% of the initial systolic arterial pressure) * initiation of a vasopressor treatment * 10% increase in the dose of vasopressor treatment, if already started
11 secondary outcomes
number of living days without ventilation over 28 days
Time frame: Up to 28 days
time to obtain a sedative sedation score (NICS -1 to 1)
Time frame: up to 7 days
time to obtain a first CAM-ICU test indicating the absence of delirium
Time frame: Up to 7 days
duration of delirium by evaluation CAM-ICU
Time frame: Up to 7 days
use of other sedative and psychotropic medications (number and total doses)
Time frame: Up to 7 days
number of catheters / agitation extubation
Time frame: Up to 7 days
Number of patients with tracheostomy
Time frame: Up to 28 days
daily assessment of organ dysfunction by SOFA score
Time frame: Up to 7 days
28 day survival or exit from the ICU
Time frame: Up to 28 days
length of stay USI
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
length of hospital stay
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Feb 2021.
- Background: PubMed 15082703Ely EW, Shintani A, Truman B, Speroff T, Gordon SM, Harrell FE Jr, Inouye SK, Bernard GR, Dittus RS. Delirium as a predictor of mortality in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1753-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1753.
- Background: PubMed 24088092Pandharipande PP, Girard TD, Jackson JC, Morandi A, Thompson JL, Pun BT, Brummel NE, Hughes CG, Vasilevskis EE, Shintani AK, Moons KG, Geevarghese SK, Canonico A, Hopkins RO, Bernard GR, Dittus RS, Ely EW; BRAIN-ICU Study Investigators. Long-term cognitive impairment after critical illness. N Engl J Med. 2013 Oct 3;369(14):1306-16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1301372.
- Background: PubMed 21926597van den Boogaard M, Schoonhoven L, Evers AW, van der Hoeven JG, van Achterberg T, Pickkers P. Delirium in critically ill patients: impact on long-term health-related quality of life and cognitive functioning. Crit Care Med. 2012 Jan;40(1):112-8. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31822e9fc9.
- Background: PubMed 18495054Girard TD, Pandharipande PP, Ely EW. Delirium in the intensive care unit. Crit Care. 2008;12 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S3. doi: 10.1186/cc6149. Epub 2008 May 14.
- Background: PubMed 11511942Dubois MJ, Bergeron N, Dumont M, Dial S, Skrobik Y. Delirium in an intensive care unit: a study of risk factors. Intensive Care Med. 2001 Aug;27(8):1297-304. doi: 10.1007/s001340101017.
- Background: PubMed 24476433Reade MC, Finfer S. Sedation and delirium in the intensive care unit. N Engl J Med. 2014 Jan 30;370(5):444-54. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1208705. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 30113379Devlin JW, Skrobik Y, Gelinas C, Needham DM, Slooter AJC, Pandharipande PP, Watson PL, Weinhouse GL, Nunnally ME, Rochwerg B, Balas MC, van den Boogaard M, Bosma KJ, Brummel NE, Chanques G, Denehy L, Drouot X, Fraser GL, Harris JE, Joffe AM, Kho ME, Kress JP, Lanphere JA, McKinley S, Neufeld KJ, Pisani MA, Payen JF, Pun BT, Puntillo KA, Riker RR, Robinson BRH, Shehabi Y, Szumita PM, Winkelman C, Centofanti JE, Price C, Nikayin S, Misak CJ, Flood PD, Kiedrowski K, Alhazzani W. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU. Crit Care Med. 2018 Sep;46(9):e825-e873. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003299.
- Background: PubMed 26609286DAS-Taskforce 2015; Baron R, Binder A, Biniek R, Braune S, Buerkle H, Dall P, Demirakca S, Eckardt R, Eggers V, Eichler I, Fietze I, Freys S, Frund A, Garten L, Gohrbandt B, Harth I, Hartl W, Heppner HJ, Horter J, Huth R, Janssens U, Jungk C, Kaeuper KM, Kessler P, Kleinschmidt S, Kochanek M, Kumpf M, Meiser A, Mueller A, Orth M, Putensen C, Roth B, Schaefer M, Schaefers R, Schellongowski P, Schindler M, Schmitt R, Scholz J, Schroeder S, Schwarzmann G, Spies C, Stingele R, Tonner P, Trieschmann U, Tryba M, Wappler F, Waydhas C, Weiss B, Weisshaar G. Evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of delirium, analgesia, and sedation in intensive care medicine. Revision 2015 (DAS-Guideline 2015) - short version. Ger Med Sci. 2015 Nov 12;13:Doc19. doi: 10.3205/000223. eCollection 2015.
- Background: PubMed 9813525Buerkle H, Yaksh TL. Pharmacological evidence for different alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sites mediating analgesia and sedation in the rat. Br J Anaesth. 1998 Aug;81(2):208-15. doi: 10.1093/bja/81.2.208.
- Background: PubMed 21525113Pichot C, Ghignone M, Quintin L. Dexmedetomidine and clonidine: from second- to first-line sedative agents in the critical care setting? J Intensive Care Med. 2012 Jul-Aug;27(4):219-37. doi: 10.1177/0885066610396815. Epub 2011 Apr 27.
- Background: PubMed 22016443Patel SB, Kress JP. Sedation and analgesia in the mechanically ventilated patient. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012 Mar 1;185(5):486-97. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201102-0273CI. Epub 2011 Oct 20.
- Background: PubMed 23261901Barr J, Fraser GL, Puntillo K, Ely EW, Gelinas C, Dasta JF, Davidson JE, Devlin JW, Kress JP, Joffe AM, Coursin DB, Herr DL, Tung A, Robinson BR, Fontaine DK, Ramsay MA, Riker RR, Sessler CN, Pun B, Skrobik Y, Jaeschke R; American College of Critical Care Medicine. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit: executive summary. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013 Jan 1;70(1):53-8. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/70.1.53.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Creteur Jacques, MD PhD study director
CUB Erasme Hospital ULB
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine in people with Delirium and Critical Illness, run by Erasme University Hospital at 3 sites in Belgium.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Feb 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Belgium. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Lheureux Olivier, MD (003225558330, olivier.lheureux@erasme.ulb.ac.be), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
hemodynamic tolerance (time frame: Up to 7 days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04758936, which also lists 29 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Feb 2021.