Ongoing Clinical Trials for Herpes Simplex Reactivation
Currently, there is one clinical trial investigating treatment options for patients with Herpes simplex virus reactivation in the throat. This trial is evaluating the effectiveness of acyclovir in critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation support in intensive care units.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Acyclovir for Patients with Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation in the Throat on Mechanical Ventilation with One or No Organ Failure
This study is designed for patients in the Intensive Care Unit who are receiving breathing support through a machine (mechanical ventilation) and have experienced a reactivation of the Herpes simplex virus in their throat. The trial specifically targets patients who have one or no organ failures at the time of enrollment.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Patients who have been on invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 96 hours and are expected to need it for at least 48 more hours
- Individuals with confirmed HSV reactivation in the throat, detected through a PCR test on a throat swab
- Patients with one or no organ failures, measured using a scoring system called SOFA
- Written consent must be provided by the patient, a close relative, or a previously appointed trusted person
- Must be covered by social security
Who cannot participate:
- Patients not in the ICU
- Those not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation
- Patients without HSV throat reactivation
- Individuals with more than one organ failure
- People younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age
What the trial involves:
The main goal of this study is to determine whether treatment with acyclovir can reduce the risk of death within 60 days in critically ill patients with HSV reactivation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acyclovir or a placebo through intravenous injection directly into a vein. The treatment lasts for up to 14 days.
During the study, doctors will closely monitor various health indicators, including how long patients need mechanical ventilation, their length of stay in the ICU, and the presence of HSV in the throat. Regular assessments will be conducted on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after joining the study. The primary focus is on mortality rates at day 60, with additional evaluation at day 90.
Investigational drug:
The trial uses acyclovir, an antiviral medication provided as a powder that is mixed into a solution for injection. Acyclovir works at the molecular level by blocking the viral enzyme responsible for virus replication, preventing the Herpes simplex virus from multiplying. The standard dose used in the trial is 500 mg administered intravenously.
Summary
Currently, only one clinical trial is actively investigating treatment approaches for Herpes simplex virus reactivation in critically ill patients. This trial is being conducted in France and focuses specifically on patients in intensive care who require mechanical ventilation and have minimal organ dysfunction. The study evaluates acyclovir, a well-established antiviral medication, to determine if it can improve survival rates in this vulnerable patient population. The research addresses an important medical need, as HSV reactivation is more common when the immune system is weakened during severe illness, potentially complicating recovery in ICU patients.
