Focused Ultrasound Spleen Stimulation and Inflammation in Septic Shock
Effects of Focused Ultrasound Spleen Neuromodulation on Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Patients With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College
40 participants
Jul 25, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of focused ultrasound spleen neuromodulation in patients with septic shock, a life-threatening condition characterized by excessive inflammation and organ dysfunction. The primary objective is to determine whether non-invasive, focused ultrasound stimulation of the spleen can reduce circulating inflammatory cytokine levels in this patient population. Eligibility Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older Diagnosed with septic shock and admitted to the ICU within 24 hours Expected to require intensive care for at least 72 hours Study Protocol: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Intervention Group: Will receive standard septic shock care plus twice-daily focused ultrasound stimulation over the spleen for five days, using a portable device. Control Group: Will receive standard septic shock care alone. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and Day 5 to measure inflammatory cytokine levels, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. Additional assessments will include lymphocyte subpopulations, organ function scores, ICU length of stay, 28-day mortality, and adverse events. Outcome Measures: Primary: Change in levels of inflammatory cytokines on Day 5. Secondary: Changes in organ function (SOFA score), ICU length of stay, 28-day survival, and safety/tolerability of the intervention.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Age ≥ 18 years, regardless of sex
- Diagnosed with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 2 and requiring vasopressor support to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg.
- Admitted to the ICU within 24 hours of septic shock diagnosis
- Expected to require intensive care for at least 72 hours
- Informed consent obtained from the patient or legal representative
Exclusion Criteria7
- Known pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days
- Known immunodeficiency or ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
- Malignancy with life expectancy < 6 months
- Contraindications to focused ultrasound (e.g., splenic trauma, splenectomy, local skin infection)
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order or expected death within 24 hours
- Any other condition deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigators
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
A portable focused ultrasound device is used to stimulate the spleen area under real-time imaging guidance. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes, repeated twice daily for five days.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06990295