Septic ShockNCT07698834
Splanchnic Perfusion Monitoring in Septic Shock Using Doppler Ultrasound
An observational study of Septic Shock, run by Assiut University.
Trial summary
evaluation whether splanchnic Doppler ultrasound indices (SMA resistive index, portal vein pulsatility fraction, hepatic artery resistive index/flow parameters) can: 1. Reflect regional tissue perfusion in septic shock, as correlated with lactate clearance. 2. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Septic Shock
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Oct 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to the ICU with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria, who are eligible for enrollment and undergo splanchnic Doppler ultrasound evaluation 24 hours after ICU admission.
Who may be able to join
- 1. Adult patients (≥18 years). 2. ICU admission with septic shock (Sepsis-3 definitions).
Who cannot join
- 1. Advanced chronic liver disease. 2. Portal vein thrombosis. 3. Mesenteric ischemia (or clinical suspicion strongly suggesting it). 4. Severe right-sided heart failure. 5. Pregnancy. 6. Morbid obesity or any condition causing poor/unsafe ultrasound acoustic window.
- 7. Intra-abdominal conditions preventing adequate Doppler assessment. 8. Limitation of care / do-not-resuscitate orders. 9. Pre-existing major gastrointestinal bleeding/obstruction if that is relevant to enteral feeding intolerance outcomes in your ICU.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Splanchnic Perfusion Monitoring Using Doppler Ultrasound in Septic Shock Patients: Correlation With Lactate Clearance, Organ Dysfunction, and Enteral Feeding Intolerance
evaluation whether splanchnic Doppler ultrasound indices (SMA resistive index, portal vein pulsatility fraction, hepatic artery resistive index/flow parameters) can:
- Reflect regional tissue perfusion in septic shock, as correlated with lactate clearance.
- Associate with organ dysfunction severity and progression (SOFA dynamics).
- Predict enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition
Read the detailed description
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to severe organ dysfunction. Globally, sepsis accounts for approximately 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths annually.
A central clinical challenge is hemodynamic incoherence, where systemic targets (e.g., mean arterial pressure [MAP]) may improve while regional tissue perfusion remains impaired. Conventional systemic markers, including blood lactate clearance and central venous oxygen saturation, reflect global metabolic status and may lag behind microvascular dysfunction within specific organ beds.
The hepatosplanchnic circulation is particularly vulnerable during septic shock and may contribute to progression toward multiple organ failure through a sustained inflammatory cascade. The splanchnic region has been described as the "motor" of multiple organ failure and the "canary" of the body.
Bedside Doppler ultrasound has emerged as a noninvasive tool to assess regional perfusion. Doppler-derived indices such as the resistive index (and related parameters including portal pulsatility fraction) may detect early hemodynamic impairment at the organ-bed level before systemic biomarkers change.
Accordingly, improved bedside perfusion monitoring especially for the splanchnic circulation-may help optimize resuscitation strategy and nutritional management, and may clarify relationships between regional perfusion, organ dysfunction, and enteral feeding tolerance.
- Conditions
- Septic Shock
- Medical subject headings
- Shock, Septic
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Association between portal vein PF and SOFA progression
To evaluate the association between portal vein pulsatility fraction and progression in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, defined as the difference between the baseline SOFA score and the SOFA score at 24 hours, or the peak SOFA score within 72 hours after ICU admission. The SOFA score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more severe organ dysfunction and a worse clinical outcome.
Measured: baseline through 72 hours after ICU admission
Lactate clearance (%) at 6 and 24 hours after ICU admission
Lactate clearance, expressed as a percentage (%), calculated from serial arterial blood lactate concentrations measured at baseline, 6 hours, and 24 hours after ICU admission. Blood lactate concentration will be measured using standard arterial blood gas/laboratory analysis. The correlation between the baseline superior mesenteric artery (SMA) resistive index measured by Doppler ultrasound and lactate clearance at 6 and 24 hours will be evaluated.
Measured: baseline through 24 hours after ICU admission
Incidence of enteral feeding intolerance within 72 hours after ICU admission
Incidence (%) of enteral feeding intolerance occurring within 72 hours after ICU admission, assessed according to predefined clinical criteria (e.g., vomiting, abdominal distension, or interruption of enteral nutrition due to intolerance). Superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA RI), portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured by Doppler ultrasound at 24 hours after ICU admission, will be correlated with the occurrence of enteral feeding intolerance.
Measured: within 72 hours after ICU admission
Secondary outcomes (3)
Length of ICU Stay
Length of ICU stay, measured in days from ICU admission until ICU discharge. Splanchnic Doppler ultrasound parameters, including superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA RI), portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured 24 hours after ICU admission, will be evaluated for their predictive value for ICU length of stay.
Measured: From ICU admission until ICU discharge
Duration of Vasopressor Therapy
Duration of vasopressor therapy, measured in days from ICU admission until permanent discontinuation of vasopressor support. Splanchnic Doppler ultrasound parameters, including superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA RI), portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured 24 hours after ICU admission, will be evaluated for their predictive value for vasopressor therapy duration.
Measured: From ICU admission until discontinuation of vasopressor therapy
ICU Mortality
ICU mortality, reported as the percentage of participants who die during the ICU stay. Splanchnic Doppler ultrasound parameters, including superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA RI), portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured 24 hours after ICU admission, will be evaluated for their predictive value for ICU mortality.
Measured: From ICU admission until ICU discharge
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Jul 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Septic ShockStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Assiut UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Esraa Tarek Mahmoud Ahmed, Assiut University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07698834
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- splanchnic doppler in sepsis
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
Publications
] Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, Shankar-Hari M, Annane D, Bauer M, Bellomo R, Bernard GR, Chiche JD, Coopersmith CM, Hotchkiss RS. The third international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock (Sepsis-3). Jama. 2016 Feb 23;315(8):801-10. [2] Rudd KE, Johnson SC, Agesa KM, Shackelford KA, Tsoi D, Kievlan DR, Colombara DV, Ikuta KS, Kissoon N, Finfer S, Fleischmann-Struzek C. Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. The Lancet. 2020 Jan 18;395(10219):200-11. [3] Markwart R, Saito H, Harder T, Tomczyk S, Cassini A, Fleischmann-Struzek C, Reichert F, Eckmanns T, Allegranzi B. Epidemiology and burden of sepsis acquired in hospitals and intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intensive care medicine. 2020 Aug;46(8):1536-51. [4] Ince C. Hemodynamic coherence and the rationale for monitoring the microcirculation. Critical care. 2015 Dec 18;19(Suppl 3):S8. [5] Hariri G, Joffre J, Leblanc G, Bonsey M, Lavillegrand JR, Urbina T, Guidet B, Maury E, Bakker J, Ait-Oufella H. Narrative review: clinical assessment of peripheral tissue perfusion in septic shock. Annals of intensive care. 2019 Mar 13;9(1):37. [6] Huber W, Zanner R, Schneider G, Schmid R, Lahmer T. Assessment of regional perfusion and organ function: less and non-invasive techniques. Frontiers in medicine. 2019 Mar 22;6:50. [7] Asfar P, De Backer D, Meier-Hellmann A, Radermacher P, Sakka SG. Clinical review: influence of vasoactive and other therapies on intestinal and hepatic circulations in patients with septic shock. Critical care. 2003 Jun;8(3):170. [8] Dr D. The gastrointestinal tract. The canary of the body?. JAMA. 1993;270:1247-8. [9] Tavazzi G, Spiegel R, Rola P, Price S, Corradi F, Hockstein M. Multiorgan evaluation of perfusion and congestion using ultrasound in patients with shock. European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. 2023 May 4;12(5):344-52. [10] Buitr
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Splanchnic Perfusion Monitoring Using Doppler Ultrasound in Septic Shock Patients: Correlation With Lactate Clearance, Organ Dysfunction, and Enteral Feeding Intolerance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07698834
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- splanchnic doppler in sepsis
- Conditions
- Septic Shock
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Jul 2026 (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.
evaluation whether splanchnic Doppler ultrasound indices (SMA resistive index, portal vein pulsatility fraction, hepatic artery resistive index/flow parameters) can:
- Reflect regional tissue perfusion in septic shock, as correlated with lactate clearance.
- Associate with organ dysfunction severity and progression (SOFA dynamics).
- Predict enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition
Detailed description
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to severe organ dysfunction. Globally, sepsis accounts for approximately 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths annually.
A central clinical challenge is hemodynamic incoherence, where systemic targets (e.g., mean arterial pressure [MAP]) may improve while regional tissue perfusion remains impaired. Conventional systemic markers, including blood lactate clearance and central venous oxygen saturation, reflect global metabolic status and may lag behind microvascular dysfunction within specific organ beds.
The hepatosplanchnic circulation is particularly vulnerable during septic shock and may contribute to progression toward multiple organ failure through a sustained inflammatory cascade. The splanchnic region has been described as the "motor" of multiple organ failure and the "canary" of the body.
Bedside Doppler ultrasound has emerged as a noninvasive tool to assess regional perfusion. Doppler-derived indices such as the resistive index (and related parameters including portal pulsatility fraction) may detect early hemodynamic impairment at the organ-bed level before systemic biomarkers change.
Accordingly, improved bedside perfusion monitoring especially for the splanchnic circulation-may help optimize resuscitation strategy and nutritional management, and may clarify relationships between regional perfusion, organ dysfunction, and enteral feeding tolerance.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to the ICU with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria, who are eligible for enrollment and undergo splanchnic Doppler ultrasound evaluation 24 hours after ICU admission.
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 1. Adult patients (≥18 years). 2. ICU admission with septic shock (Sepsis-3 definitions).
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- 1. Advanced chronic liver disease. 2. Portal vein thrombosis. 3. Mesenteric ischemia (or clinical suspicion strongly suggesting it). 4. Severe right-sided heart failure. 5. Pregnancy. 6. Morbid obesity or any condition causing poor/unsafe ultrasound acoustic window.
- 7. Intra-abdominal conditions preventing adequate Doppler assessment. 8. Limitation of care / do-not-resuscitate orders. 9. Pre-existing major gastrointestinal bleeding/obstruction if that is relevant to enteral feeding intolerance outcomes in your ICU.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Association between portal vein PF and SOFA progression
Time frame: baseline through 72 hours after ICU admission
To evaluate the association between portal vein pulsatility fraction and progression in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, defined as the difference between the baseline SOFA score and the SOFA score at 24 hours, or the peak SOFA score within 72 hours after ICU admission. The SOFA score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more severe organ dysfunction and a worse clinical outcome.
Lactate clearance (%) at 6 and 24 hours after ICU admission
Time frame: baseline through 24 hours after ICU admission
Lactate clearance, expressed as a percentage (%), calculated from serial arterial blood lactate concentrations measured at baseline, 6 hours, and 24 hours after ICU admission. Blood lactate concentration will be measured using standard arterial blood gas/laboratory analysis. The correlation between the baseline superior mesenteric artery (SMA) resistive index measured by Doppler ultrasound and lactate clearance at 6 and 24 hours will be evaluated.
Incidence of enteral feeding intolerance within 72 hours after ICU admission
Time frame: within 72 hours after ICU admission
Incidence (%) of enteral feeding intolerance occurring within 72 hours after ICU admission, assessed according to predefined clinical criteria (e.g., vomiting, abdominal distension, or interruption of enteral nutrition due to intolerance). Superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA RI), portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured by Doppler ultrasound at 24 hours after ICU admission, will be correlated with the occurrence of enteral feeding intolerance.
3 secondary outcomes
Length of ICU Stay
Time frame: From ICU admission until ICU discharge
Duration of Vasopressor Therapy
Time frame: From ICU admission until discontinuation of vasopressor therapy
ICU Mortality
Time frame: From ICU admission until ICU discharge
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jul 2026.
- Background] Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, Shankar-Hari M, Annane D, Bauer M, Bellomo R, Bernard GR, Chiche JD, Coopersmith CM, Hotchkiss RS. The third international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock (Sepsis-3). Jama. 2016 Feb 23;315(8):801-10. [2] Rudd KE, Johnson SC, Agesa KM, Shackelford KA, Tsoi D, Kievlan DR, Colombara DV, Ikuta KS, Kissoon N, Finfer S, Fleischmann-Struzek C. Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. The Lancet. 2020 Jan 18;395(10219):200-11. [3] Markwart R, Saito H, Harder T, Tomczyk S, Cassini A, Fleischmann-Struzek C, Reichert F, Eckmanns T, Allegranzi B. Epidemiology and burden of sepsis acquired in hospitals and intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intensive care medicine. 2020 Aug;46(8):1536-51. [4] Ince C. Hemodynamic coherence and the rationale for monitoring the microcirculation. Critical care. 2015 Dec 18;19(Suppl 3):S8. [5] Hariri G, Joffre J, Leblanc G, Bonsey M, Lavillegrand JR, Urbina T, Guidet B, Maury E, Bakker J, Ait-Oufella H. Narrative review: clinical assessment of peripheral tissue perfusion in septic shock. Annals of intensive care. 2019 Mar 13;9(1):37. [6] Huber W, Zanner R, Schneider G, Schmid R, Lahmer T. Assessment of regional perfusion and organ function: less and non-invasive techniques. Frontiers in medicine. 2019 Mar 22;6:50. [7] Asfar P, De Backer D, Meier-Hellmann A, Radermacher P, Sakka SG. Clinical review: influence of vasoactive and other therapies on intestinal and hepatic circulations in patients with septic shock. Critical care. 2003 Jun;8(3):170. [8] Dr D. The gastrointestinal tract. The canary of the body?. JAMA. 1993;270:1247-8. [9] Tavazzi G, Spiegel R, Rola P, Price S, Corradi F, Hockstein M. Multiorgan evaluation of perfusion and congestion using ultrasound in patients with shock. European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. 2023 May 4;12(5):344-52. [10] Buitr
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Sepsis
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.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Septic Shock, run by Assiut University.
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 1 inclusion and 2 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Esraa Tarek Ahmed (+201004590619, esraatarek062@Gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Association between portal vein PF and SOFA progression (time frame: baseline through 72 hours after ICU admission). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07698834, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 13 Jul 2026.