Remote ischemic conditioning in septic shock (RECO-Sepsis): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Sepsis Pathophysiology

Background:

• Septic shock poses a significant global health threat, with mortality rates reaching up to 50%.
• Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a primary driver of mortality in septic shock, stemming from uncontrolled inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
• Remote ischemic conditioning (RECO) is an emerging intervention demonstrating potential in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of RECO as an adjuvant therapy in reducing the severity of MOF in septic shock patients.
• To assess the impact of RECO on organ function as measured by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.
• To provide proof-of-concept data on RECO's effectiveness in a clinical septic shock setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial (RECO-Sepsis study) involving 180 adult patients with septic shock.
• Patients received either RECO (four cycles of 200 mmHg cuff inflation/deflation) or conventional treatment.
• The primary endpoint is the mean daily SOFA score up to day 4; secondary outcomes include organ support, hospital stay, and 90-day mortality.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable as the study is ongoing.

Conclusions:

• The RECO-Sepsis trial aims to determine if RECO can decrease MOF severity in septic shock.
• Results will inform the potential of RECO as a novel therapeutic strategy for septic shock management.
• This study contributes to understanding RECO's role in preventing organ damage in critical illness.