RecruitingPHASE3INTERVENTIONAL

Canadian Critical Care Comparative Effectiveness Platform

This is an important study, called CEPEC, looking at how to give everyday treatments to patients who are seriously ill in Intensive Care Units (ICU) across the UK and other countries. We want to find the best ways to provide care that is currently given without strong evidence about what works best. Specifically, the study is looking at different blood pressure targets when giving medications called vasopressors, how many platelets to give before a procedure, and different ways of providing nutrients to patients who can't eat normally. By joining, patients could help find better ways to care for critically ill people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE3

Sponsor

Université de Sherbrooke

Enrolment target

5,500

Start

23 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2030

Intensive Care Unit ICU Vasopressor Platelet Nutrition

What is this study about?

When patients are very poorly and need to be in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), doctors and nurses use many treatments to help them recover. While these treatments are common, we don't always have the best information to know exactly how to give them for the best results. This study, called CEPEC, aims to find out which ways of giving these routine treatments are most effective.

For example, the study is looking at medications that help keep blood pressure up, called vasopressors. Doctors want to know if specific blood pressure targets work better for certain patients. It's also investigating platelet transfusions, which are given to help blood clot. We want to understand the best time to give these to patients who have low platelet counts before they have a procedure.

Finally, the study is comparing different ways of providing food to patients who can't eat on their own. This is called 'enteral nutrition'. Normally, we eat meals several times a day. But in ICU, patients are often fed continuously throughout the day. This study will compare giving nutrition in bigger amounts a few times a day (like meals) versus giving it in small, steady amounts all the time, to see which method is better for recovery. Taking part in this study could help improve care for many future patients in ICUs.

Key takeaways

Compiling evidence for routine ICU treatments.
Investigating best blood pressure targets for critically ill patients.
Looking at optimal timing for platelet transfusions.
Comparing continuous versus meal-like nutrition delivery.
No new medications, only refining existing care.
Information gained could improve future patient care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be a patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The study has different parts, and whether you can join depends on which part your doctors think might be suitable for you.

For the part looking at blood pressure medication (vasopressors), you would need to be receiving these medications, or likely to need them, and expected to stay in the ICU for more than two days. There isn't a minimum age for this part. However, some health conditions, like recent head or spinal cord injuries, or organ transplants, might mean you can't join.

For the part looking at platelet transfusions, you would need to be an adult (18 years or older) in the ICU with a low platelet count and be planning to have a procedure that carries a small-to-moderate risk of bleeding. If you have active severe bleeding, certain blood clotting conditions, or if blood transfusions are not suitable for you, then this part of the study would not be an option.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I currently in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)?
Am I receiving or likely to need blood pressure supporting medicines (vasopressors)?
Do I have a low platelet count and need a medical procedure?
Am I 18 years old or older (for the platelet part)?
Does my medical team feel two different treatment approaches are equally good for me?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you won't have extra clinic visits or appointments. All of the care will happen while you are already in the Intensive Care Unit. The study doesn't involve any new medications that aren't already used in ICUs. Instead, it looks at slightly different ways of giving standard treatments you are already receiving, such as different target levels for your blood pressure or different ways of giving you nutrients. Your medical team will monitor your health closely, just as they normally would in the ICU. The total time you would be in the study would be for the duration of your ICU stay, as decisions about your care are being made.

Potential risks and benefits

While there aren't direct personal benefits from joining this study, the information gained could greatly improve care for future ICU patients facing similar conditions. We don't expect any major new risks because the study is comparing different ways of giving treatments that are already standard practice. However, as with any medical care, there are always unseen possibilities. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hamilton Health Sciences - Juravinski Hospital
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting
The Ottawa Hospital
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting
Scarborough Health Network
Verified postcode
Scarborough Village, Canada· Recruiting
Niagara Health
Verified postcode
St. Catharines, Canada· Recruiting
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS
Verified postcode
Sherbrooke, Canada· Recruiting
Auckland City Hospital
Verified postcode
Auckland, New Zealand· Not yet recruiting
Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (coordinating centre for sites in UK. Sites to be determined)
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is the purpose of this study?

This study aims to find the best ways to give common treatments to very ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Will I have to take new medications?

No, you will not take new medications. The study looks at different ways of using treatments that are already standard in the ICU.

How long will I be part of the study?

You would be part of the study for the duration of your stay in the Intensive Care Unit.

Will joining affect my usual care?

No, your medical team will continue to provide the best care for you. The study simply compares different common approaches to care.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Marie-Helene Masse, RRT, MSc

marie-helene.masse3@usherbrooke.ca 1-819-346-1110 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.