What is norepinephrine studying for sepsis?

Norepinephrine is being studied to see if starting it early through a peripheral vein improves outcomes for adults with septic shock compared to standard fluid therapy first. The study aims to find the best way to manage blood pressure and organ support in sepsis. It is sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to help guide future treatment guidelines.

Who may be eligible for this sepsis clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 or older who have a suspected or confirmed infection causing acute illness and low blood pressure with elevated lactate levels may be eligible. The trial includes all genders and excludes those needing immediate surgery or central venous access, among other criteria. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this sepsis clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study drug or procedure and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can expect their treatment and monitoring within the hospital to be covered during the trial.

Actively Recruiting

Phase 3

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05179499

Early Vasopressors in Sepsis Comparing Peripheral Norepinephrine Infusion to Standard Fluid Therapy in Hospitalized Adults with Septic Shock

Led by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde · Updated on 2026-02-12

1006

Participants Needed

Research Sites

47 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Sepsis is a serious condition caused by the bodys extreme response to an infection, leading to tissue and organ damage. This research compares two early treatment methods for sepsis immediately after hospital arrival, focusing on whether starting vasopressor medication right away or beginning with fluid therapy improves patient recovery and reduces complications. The study is a Phase 3 trial aimed at finding the best approach to improve outcomes for adults with septic shock. Participants are divided into two groups one receives a continuous peripheral vasopressor infusion of norepinephrine during the first 48 hours, while the other group receives standard care guided by UK NICE and Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, which starts with intravenous fluids and adds vasopressors as needed. Both treatments follow local hospital protocols beyond the initial interventions. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for blood pressure, fluid volume, lactate levels, and other health indicators at multiple time points up to 90 days after randomization. Researchers will assess outcomes including hospital stay length, need for additional therapies like renal replacement or respiratory support, and overall survival. Quality of life and readmission rates will also be evaluated to understand the longer-term effects of the treatments.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Early Vasopressors in Sepsis

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Age over 18 years
Clinically suspected or proven infection causing acute illness
Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg within an hour of eligibility assessment
Serum lactate greater than 2 mmol/L measured within 2 to 4 hours prior to eligibility assessment
Hospital presentation within the last 12 hours

You will not qualify if you...

Received more than 1500 ml of intravenous fluid before screening
Need for immediate surgery within one hour
Immediate requirement for central venous access
Chronic renal replacement therapy
Known allergy or adverse reaction to norepinephrine
Receiving palliative or end of life care
Previous participation in this trial
Permanent incapacity
Pregnancy or positive pregnancy test in women of childbearing potential
Other primary causes of shock such as cardiogenic or hemorrhagic shock
Medical, neurological, or psychological conditions posing undue risk
Participation in other investigational drug trials

Research Team

Hannah Greenwood

Alasdair Corfield

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here