Ongoing Clinical Trials for Ventricular Fibrillation
There are currently 3 ongoing clinical trials investigating treatments for ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening irregular heart rhythm. These trials are being conducted in Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands, testing various medications including beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs to improve outcomes for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest or are at risk of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
Clinical trial locations
- Austria
- Denmark
- Netherlands
Study on the Effect of Landiolol Hydrochloride and Sodium Chloride in Patients Experiencing Cardiac Arrest
This trial is investigating whether landiolol hydrochloride, a type of beta-blocker medication, can help improve outcomes for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. The study is being conducted in Austria.
Who can participate: The trial is open to adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and have had three or more shockable heart rhythms, with the last rhythm being shockable. Both men and women are eligible to participate.
Who cannot participate: Patients who have previously experienced cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation are excluded from this study.
What the trial involves: The main goal is to determine whether adding landiolol hydrochloride to standard cardiac arrest treatment can decrease the time it takes for the heart to achieve sustained return of spontaneous circulation, meaning the heart starts beating effectively on its own. Participants will receive either landiolol hydrochloride or a placebo through an intravenous injection directly into a vein. The study is double-blind, so neither participants nor researchers will know who receives the actual medication.
Investigational drug: Landiolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking certain receptors in the heart to slow down the heart rate and stabilize heart rhythm. It is administered intravenously and aims to help restore normal heart function more quickly after cardiac arrest.
Study on the Effects of Bisoprolol Fumarate, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Metoprolol in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Cardiac Arrest
This clinical trial in Denmark focuses on patients who have survived an unexplained cardiac arrest, known as Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation. The study compares different beta-blocker treatments to see which is most effective in preventing further heart problems.
Who can participate: Adults aged 18 or older who have survived an unexplained cardiac arrest are eligible. Participants must have undergone extensive testing including ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, blood tests, coronary angiography or cardiac CT-scan, and additional specialized heart tests. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) must be in place to monitor and correct irregular heartbeats.
Who cannot participate: Patients who have had cardiac arrest with a known cause are excluded, as the study specifically focuses on cases where no cause could be identified despite thorough medical investigation.
What the trial involves: The study will monitor participants for up to 36 months, comparing the effects of various beta-blocker medications including Bisoprolol Fumarate, Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Propranolol Hydrochloride, taken orally in pill form. The primary focus is on monitoring ICD data for any necessary therapies or shocks delivered by the device, tracking either the first appropriate therapy, aborted shock, non-sustained ventricular fibrillation, or three years after discharge, whichever comes first. Quality of life will also be assessed after one year.
Investigational drugs: Beta-blockers are medications that slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions by blocking the effects of adrenaline. This helps manage heart rhythm and prevent abnormal heartbeats, potentially reducing the risk of further cardiac events.
Study Comparing Quinidine and Verapamil for Patients with Short-Coupled Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
This trial in the Netherlands is comparing two different medications, Quinidine and Verapamil, to determine which is more effective and safe for treating a specific form of irregular heartbeat called Short-coupled Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation.
Who can participate: Adults aged 18 or older who have a functioning ICD and meet at least one diagnostic criterion for short-coupled Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation are eligible. This includes having documented irregular heartbeats with specific characteristics on ECG or device monitoring, isolated premature heartbeats with short intervals following cardiac events, or being a carrier of the DPP6 genetic variation. Participants must have experienced sudden cardiac arrest, near fainting, appropriate ICD shock, or documented irregular heartbeats at least once in the past two years. Genetic testing must be initiated, though results are not required at enrollment. Participants must be willing to undergo two treatment periods with both medications.
Who cannot participate: Patients outside the specified age range, those without the specific short-coupled condition, and individuals from vulnerable populations requiring special protection are excluded.
What the trial involves: This is a crossover study lasting 18 months, where each participant will try both medications at different times. The study will monitor for sustained irregular heartbeats and any side effects. A severity scoring system will evaluate the occurrence of sustained ventricular arrhythmia during each treatment period. The results will help determine whether a larger, more definitive trial comparing these medications is advisable and feasible.
Investigational drugs: Quinidine is a Class IA antiarrhythmic medication that works by blocking specific ion channels in the heart to stabilize electrical activity. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Both medications are taken orally in tablet form.
Summary
The three ongoing clinical trials for ventricular fibrillation represent diverse approaches to managing this life-threatening condition across different European countries. Each trial targets a specific patient population and clinical scenario.
The Austrian trial focuses on emergency treatment during active cardiac arrest, testing whether intravenous landiolol can improve immediate outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. In contrast, the Danish and Dutch trials address longer-term management of patients who have already survived unexplained cardiac arrest.
Beta-blockers feature prominently across multiple trials, reflecting their established role in managing heart rhythm disorders. The Danish study takes a comprehensive approach by comparing multiple oral beta-blocker options over an extended 36-month period, while the Dutch study explores alternative antiarrhythmic medications (quinidine and verapamil) specifically for the rare short-coupled variant of the condition.
All three trials require participants to have ICDs implanted, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and emergency backup for patients at risk of dangerous heart rhythms. The studies emphasize thorough diagnostic evaluation to ensure participants have the specific form of ventricular fibrillation being investigated, particularly distinguishing unexplained cases from those with identifiable causes.
