60 Participants Needed

Dexamethasone or Tocilizumab for Respiratory Impairment

(IDENTIFY Trial)

No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Prior Safety DataThis treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) happens when the lungs are unable to absorb enough oxygen. The bloodstream is deprived of oxygen which can eventually lead to more severe conditions like multi-organ failure (MOF) and death. AHRF accounts for over 30% of patients to critical care units, thus novel treatments are sorely needed. Research has shown that blood levels of the inflammatory biomarker Interleukin-6 (IL-6) may be a reliable marker for predicting which patients with AHRF will progress into requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission, MOF, and eventually death. IL-6 levels were shown to reliably peak several days before MOF, ICU admission, and death. Thus, the investigators believe that by identifying patients before the peak of their IL-6 levels, they will be able to administer early treatment to prevent the patient's condition from worsening. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of a treatment strategy for AHRF based on IL-6 measurement in patients who are admitted to hospital care with AHRF.

Patients who are eligible for the study will have their plasma IL-6 levels measured over 2 days. Patients with elevated IL-6 levels will be randomized into 1 of 3 treatment groups: standard of care only, standard of care plus a single IV infusion of Tocilizumab, or standard of care plus treatment with oral Dexamethasone for 10 days. Patients will then be observed till discharge or up to 28 days, and a follow-up phone interview will be conducted 6 months of the end of the observation period.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who've been hospitalized with new respiratory symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or needing extra oxygen within the last two weeks. It's not suitable for those who don't require inpatient care.

Inclusion Criteria

I need to be hospitalized for my treatment.
I am 18 years old or older.
I've had new breathing problems like coughing or needing extra oxygen in the last 2 weeks.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 days
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive standard of care, with some receiving additional treatment with Tocilizumab or Dexamethasone based on IL-6 levels

10 days
Daily monitoring (in-person)

Observation

Participants are observed until discharge or up to 28 days to monitor treatment effects and safety

Up to 28 days
Continuous monitoring (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a follow-up phone interview

6 months
1 visit (phone)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Dexamethasone
  • Tocilizumab

Trial Overview

The study tests if monitoring Interleukin-6 levels can guide treatment with Dexamethasone or Tocilizumab to prevent worsening conditions in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Participants are divided into three groups: standard care, standard plus Tocilizumab, and standard plus Dexamethasone.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: TocilizumabExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: DexamethasoneExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lorenzo delSorbo

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2
Recruited
340+

Roche Diagnostic Ltd.

Industry Sponsor

Trials
13
Recruited
47,800+