Intense Light Therapy for Critical Illness
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
1. Elucidate the influence of intense light therapy pretreatment in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that intense light exposure is associated with the peripheral stabilization of Per2 in human buccal swabs and plasma samples before surgery and with a decrease of Troponin I levels after surgery. In addition, we hypothesize that light therapy leads to Per2 dependent metabolic optimization in the human cardiac tissue. Therefore, a small piece of human heart tissue from the right atrium will be collected during cardiac cannulation, which will be otherwise discarded. 2. Critical illness (being in the intensive care unit) results in circadian malfunction and vessels not working. Vessel function is controlled by the body's circadian clock. Intense light boosts the circadian clock and the vessel function in animal studies. Vessels not working well in critical ill patients results in a myriad of severe diseases (delirium, stroke, heart attack, organ damage etc). Thus we will test if intense light can be used to boost the circadian clock and the associated vessel function in critical ill patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using a class III anti-arrhythmic drug, you may not be eligible to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of intense light therapy for critical illness?
Research shows that bright light therapy can improve sleep patterns and cognitive function in non-critically ill patients, but its benefits in the ICU setting are not clearly established. A study found no significant difference in ICU delirium incidence between patients receiving bright light therapy and those under standard lighting.12345
How does Intense Light Therapy differ from other treatments for ICU-acquired delirium?
Intense Light Therapy is unique because it uses bright light exposure to help realign the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm), which may reduce the risk of delirium in ICU patients. Unlike other treatments that might involve medication, this therapy focuses on environmental light adjustments to potentially improve patient outcomes.12367
Research Team
Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
UC Denver
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients aged 18-90 undergoing primary sternotomy cardiac surgery who are in sinus rhythm. Excluded are those in emergency conditions, pregnant, prisoners, decision-impaired individuals, with significant CNS disorders or comorbidities indicating high mortality within six months, under 18 or over 90 years old, with type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation or on class III anti-arrhythmic drugs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-treatment
Participants receive intense light therapy or placebo for 7 days prior to surgery
Treatment
Participants undergo cardiac surgery with continued monitoring and light therapy in ICU
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Day Light
- ICU Intense Light
- ICU Placebo light
- Placebo light
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator