Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home

Rare diseases

Investigational molecules

Locations

Our offerNewsroom

Not recruiting

Study on the Effects of Epinephrine, Vasopressin, and Methylprednisolone in Cardiac Arrest Patients

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of a combination of medications on patients experiencing a cardiac arrest, which is a sudden stop in heart function. The medications being tested include adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), vasopressin (also known as argipressin), and steroids such as methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone. These medications are administered through an injection directly into the bloodstream.

The purpose of the study is to determine if using this combination of medications can improve the chances of survival 30 days after a cardiac arrest, compared to using adrenaline alone. Participants in the study will receive either the combination of medications or the standard treatment with adrenaline. The study will monitor the participants over a period to assess their survival and recovery.

Throughout the study, participants will be closely observed by medical professionals to ensure their safety and to gather data on the effectiveness of the treatment. The study aims to provide valuable insights into improving treatment outcomes for cardiac arrest patients.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the trial

    Upon joining the trial, you will be informed about the study's purpose, which is to determine if a combination of medications can improve survival after a cardiac arrest.

    You will be asked to provide consent to participate in the study, acknowledging that you understand the procedures and potential risks involved.

  2. Step 2

    Initial treatment

    If you experience a cardiac arrest while in the hospital, you will receive the standard treatment, which includes the administration of adrenaline.

    In addition to adrenaline, you may receive a combination of other medications: vasopressin and steroids.

  3. Step 3

    Medication administration

    The medications will be given to you through an intravenous route, meaning they will be injected directly into your bloodstream.

    The specific medications used in the trial are methylprednisolone, epinephrine (another name for adrenaline), argipressin (another name for vasopressin), and hydrocortisone (a type of steroid).

  4. Step 4

    Monitoring and follow-up

    After receiving the treatment, your health will be closely monitored by medical professionals to assess your response to the medications.

    The primary goal is to evaluate your survival at 30 days after the cardiac arrest event.

  5. Step 5

    Completion of the trial

    The trial is expected to continue until February 27, 2025, with recruitment having started on March 15, 2022.

    Your participation will contribute to understanding the effectiveness of the treatment in improving survival rates after cardiac arrest.

Who can join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Patients who have experienced a cardiac arrest while in the hospital. A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating.
  • Patients who need to receive adrenaline as part of their treatment, according to the current guidelines from the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). Adrenaline is a medication used to help restart the heart.
  • Both men and women can participate in the study.
  • Participants must be within the specified age range for the study, which includes adults and older adults.

Who cannot join the trial?

6 criteria

  • Patients who have experienced a cardiac arrest cannot participate. A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating.
  • Patients who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 cannot participate.
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate.
  • Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to any of the study medications cannot participate.
  • Patients who are currently participating in another clinical trial cannot participate.
  • Patients with any other medical condition that the study doctors believe would make it unsafe for them to participate cannot participate.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Not recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

  • Adrenaline

    is a medication that is often used in emergency situations to help restart the heart when it has stopped beating. It works by increasing blood flow to the heart and helping the heart to pump more effectively. In this trial, adrenaline is being used as a standard treatment for cardiac arrest.

  • Vasopressin

    is another medication used in this trial. It helps to increase blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels, which can be beneficial during a cardiac arrest. By doing this, vasopressin can help improve blood flow to vital organs, including the heart and brain, during an emergency.

  • Steroids

    are a type of medication that can reduce inflammation and affect the immune system. In the context of this trial, steroids are being used to see if they can improve survival rates in cardiac arrest patients when combined with adrenaline and vasopressin. They may help by reducing inflammation and improving the body's response to the stress of cardiac arrest.

What is already known about the treatment

  • Adrenaline

    Adrenaline is administered through injection, typically during emergency situations like cardiac arrest. It is a well-established medication in medical practice and literature, primarily used to treat severe allergic reactions and cardiac arrest. Its main therapeutic indication in this trial is to help restart the heart during cardiac arrest. At the molecular level, adrenaline works by stimulating the heart and increasing blood flow, which helps restore normal heart rhythm. It is classified as a sympathomimetic drug, meaning it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

  • Vasopressin

    Vasopressin is given by injection and is used in emergency settings such as cardiac arrest. It is recognized in medical literature for its role in managing certain types of shock and cardiac arrest. In this trial, its main therapeutic use is to support blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Vasopressin works by constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and helps improve circulation. It is classified as a vasopressor, a type of medication that raises blood pressure.

  • Steroids

    Steroids in this context are administered via injection and are used in emergency medical situations like cardiac arrest. They are well-documented in medical literature for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. In this trial, steroids are used to potentially improve survival rates in cardiac arrest patients by reducing inflammation and supporting heart function. At the molecular level, steroids work by altering the expression of genes involved in inflammation and immune response. They are classified as anti-inflammatory agents.

Investigated diseases

Cardiac arrest – Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, leading to a cessation of blood flow to the body's organs. It occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular heartbeat or stopping the heart entirely. This condition can happen without warning and requires immediate medical attention. During cardiac arrest, the brain and other vital organs are deprived of oxygen, which can lead to unconsciousness. If not promptly addressed, it can result in severe damage to the body's tissues. The progression of cardiac arrest is rapid, necessitating urgent intervention to restore normal heart function.
Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2022-500137-89-00Estimated enrolment1 400 patientsSponsorTiohundra AB

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.