Continuous Infusion Versus Intermittent Bolus Hydrocortisone in Septic Shock (NCT07695337) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Continuous Infusion Versus Intermittent Bolus Hydrocortisone in Septic Shock
Egypt110 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language summary
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition in which infection causes dangerously low blood pressure and organ dysfunction despite fluid resuscitation and vasopressor treatment. Hydrocortisone is commonly used in patients with septic shock who continue to require vasopressors. However, it is uncertain whether hydrocortisone should be administered as a continuous intravenous infusion or as intermittent intravenous bolus doses.
This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether continuous intravenous hydrocortisone infusion improves clinical outcomes compared with intermittent intravenous hydrocortisone boluses in adult patients with septic shock. Participants receive either hydrocortisone 200 mg/day by continuous infusion or hydrocortisone 50 mg intravenously every 6 hours, in addition to standard septic shock management. The study evaluates 28-day mortality, recovery from shock, duration of vasopressor therapy, mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, inflammatory markers, and organ dysfunction scores.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Adults aged 18 years or older of either sex.
* Diagnosis of septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria, defined as sepsis with persistent hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy to maintain a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mmHg and a serum lactate level greater than 2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
* Admission to the intensive care unit at Benha University Hospitals.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known allergy or contraindication to hydrocortisone.
* Known adrenal insufficiency.
* Chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy for more than 1 month before enrollment.
* Pregnancy or lactation.
* Active gastrointestinal bleeding.
* Immunosuppression.
* Expected survival of less than 24 hours or imminent death from a non-infectious cause.
* Psychiatric disorder that could interfere with study participation.
* Coagulation disorder.
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
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.