Shear Wave Elastography of Peripheral Nerves for Early Diagnosis of ICU-acquired Weakness (NCT07594249) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Shear Wave Elastography of Peripheral Nerves for Early Diagnosis of ICU-acquired Weakness
China98 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
This study aims to determine whether shear wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound technique that measures nerve stiffness, can help detect ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) early in critically ill patients. Adults receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU will undergo ultrasound examinations of the median and tibial nerves on Days 1, 4, and 7. The study will evaluate whether early changes in nerve elasticity can predict ICU-AW, which is usually diagnosed later using a muscle strength score that requires patient cooperation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age ≥ 18 years;
. Newly admitted to ICU with an expected ICU stay \> 7 days;
. Initiated on mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of admission, with an expected ventilation duration \> 48 hours;
. Patient or legally authorized representative provides written informed consent.
. Pre-existing limb dysfunction that would interfere with muscle strength assessment (e.g., hemiplegia, paraplegia, severe arthritis);
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial uses a technique called shear wave elastography to look at peripheral nerves in ICU patients — is this type of ultrasound-based scanning something that would be done on top of my current care, and would it change any treatment decisions right away or is it purely for research purposes?
2Since the trial is not yet recruiting, how long might it be before it actually starts enrolling patients, and is there a similar study already underway that might be relevant to my situation now?
3The study is tracking nerve stiffness on days 1, 4, and 7 to see if it can predict ICU-acquired weakness — does my care team already have any way to detect early signs of nerve or muscle weakness in the ICU, and how would this trial's approach be different from what they currently do?
4ICU-acquired weakness can involve either nerve damage, muscle damage, or both — would my doctor be able to tell which type I might be at risk for, and does that affect whether this kind of nerve-focused imaging would even be relevant to my case?
5Since this is a diagnostic accuracy study and not a treatment trial, what would actually happen if the scan suggested I was developing ICU-acquired weakness — would there be any change in my care plan based on those results, or would the findings only be used for research?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Diagnostic Accuracy of Nerve SWE on Day 1 for Predicting ICU-AW on Day 7
Timeframe: Day 1 and Day 7 after ICU admission
2
Diagnostic Accuracy of Nerve SWE on Day 4 for Predicting ICU-AW on Day 7
Timeframe: Day 4 and Day 7 after ICU admission
3
Diagnostic Accuracy of Nerve SWE on Day 7 for Diagnosing ICU-AW on Day 7
Timeframe: Day 7 after ICU admission
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07594249
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College
. Presence of acute trauma, surgery, skin breakdown, infection, or severe edema at the measurement sites (wrist, elbow, ankle) that would interfere with ultrasound probe placement;
. Pregnant or lactating women;
. Any other condition that the investigator believes would make the patient unsuitable for the study.