Keith

Researchers are evaluating two different pacing methods for patients with slow heart rates, called bradycardia. This study compares the common right ventricular pacing approach with a newer physiological pacing method that includes His bundle and left bundle area pacing. The trial aims to better understand how these pacing techniques affect patient outcomes, including mortality and heart failure morbidity, in a large group of 2600 patients. Participants will receive a pacemaker implant and be randomly assigned to either right ventricular pacing or physiological pacing. The physiological pacing may involve His bundle pacing or left bundle pacing, but if these are not successful, biventricular pacing will be used. A subgroup of 500 participants will take part in an optional echocardiographic sub-study to assess heart function changes over a 24-month period. Throughout the study, patients will be assessed at baseline and every six months after randomization, with follow-up lasting up to 78 months. Researchers will monitor outcomes such as mortality, heart failure events, device-related safety issues, patient quality of life, symptoms, and pacemaker-derived data like arrhythmias and activity levels. The echocardiographic sub-study will measure specific heart function changes to understand pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Participants involvement includes implantation, regular follow-up visits, questionnaires, and optional imaging assessments.

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.