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    Clinical Trial Results:
    Can Nebulised HepArin Reduce acuTE lung injury in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Requiring Advanced Respiratory support in Ireland

    Summary
    EudraCT number
    2020-003349-12
    Trial protocol
    IE  
    Global end of trial date
    28 Feb 2022

    Results information
    Results version number
    v1(current)
    This version publication date
    24 Jan 2025
    First version publication date
    24 Jan 2025
    Other versions
    Summary report(s)
    CHARTER-Ireland Summary

    Trial information

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    Trial identification
    Sponsor protocol code
    NUIG-2020-003
    Additional study identifiers
    ISRCTN number
    ISRCTN12345678
    US NCT number
    NCT12345678
    WHO universal trial number (UTN)
    U1234-5678-1234
    Other trial identifiers
    NUIG sponsor number: NUIG-2020-003
    Sponsors
    Sponsor organisation name
    National University of Ireland Galway
    Sponsor organisation address
    University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
    Public contact
    Prof John Laffey, National University of Ireland Galway, 353 91524411, jlaffey@universityofgalway.ie
    Scientific contact
    Prof John Laffey, National University of Ireland Galway, 353 91524411, jlaffey@universityofgalway.ie
    Paediatric regulatory details
    Is trial part of an agreed paediatric investigation plan (PIP)
    No
    Does article 45 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    No
    Does article 46 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    No
    Results analysis stage
    Analysis stage
    Final
    Date of interim/final analysis
    01 Jul 2024
    Is this the analysis of the primary completion data?
    Yes
    Primary completion date
    28 Feb 2022
    Global end of trial reached?
    Yes
    Global end of trial date
    28 Feb 2022
    Was the trial ended prematurely?
    No
    General information about the trial
    Main objective of the trial
    Effect of nebulised heparin on d-dimer profile, assessed via d-dimer AUC and via a mixed effects model, with data collected on days 1, 3, 5 and 10. Safety of nebulised heparin delivered by Aerogun vibrating-mesh nebuliser in patients with COVID-19 induced severe respiratory failure, as measured by the incidence of severe adverse events.
    Protection of trial subjects
    Trial performed to full GCP protocol. Regulatory approval received from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland. Ethics approval received from Galway Research Ethics Committee. Adverse event reporting requirements detailed in the protocol. Ongoing oversight of trial operations conducted by Afortiori. The DSMB met on 4 occassion, once to review and approve the DSMB charter. The remaining three reviews were study reviews, including a cumulative review of study events. The DSMB reports were prepared by Afortiori
    Background therapy
    Full standard medical therapy for severe COVID-19 respiratory Failure
    Evidence for comparator
    Clinical studies of nebulised heparin in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) have shown it to be a safe intervention and have shown promising results in reduction of progression of lung injury and earlier hospital discharge.(1) The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a high volume of patients presenting to critical care with ARDS.(2) The pathophysiology of ARDS seen includes a markedly raised D-dimer level, indicative of a hypercoagulable state. (2) Previous studies have shown microvascular thrombosis as a distinct clinical feature of ARDS, leading to hyaline membrane formation and fibrosis.(3) Furthermore, patients with a raised D-dimer have areas of hypoperfusion on lung CT perfusion scans. These patients have a markedly increased mortality compared to patients with D-dimers less than the median value of enrolled patients in these studies. (2) Heparin can alter the conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, .(4) and has anti-inflammatory effects.(5) References 1. Dixon B et al. Nebulised heparin for patients with or at risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021;9(4):360-72. 2. Grasselli G, et al. Pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicentre prospective observational study. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2020. 3. Dixon B, et al. A phase 1 trial of nebulised heparin in acute lung injury. Crit Care. 2008;12(3):R64. 4. Paiardi G, et al. The binding of heparin to spike glycoprotein inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by three mechanisms. J Biol Chem. 2022;298(2):101507. 5. Hochart H, et al. Low-molecular weight and unfractionated heparins induce a downregulation of inflammation: decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-kappaB in LPS-stimulated human monocytes. Br J Haematol. 2006;133(1):62-7.
    Actual start date of recruitment
    01 Oct 2020
    Long term follow-up planned
    No
    Independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) involvement?
    Yes
    Population of trial subjects
    Number of subjects enrolled per country
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Ireland: 39
    Worldwide total number of subjects
    39
    EEA total number of subjects
    39
    Number of subjects enrolled per age group
    In utero
    0
    Preterm newborn - gestational age < 37 wk
    0
    Newborns (0-27 days)
    0
    Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0
    Children (2-11 years)
    0
    Adolescents (12-17 years)
    0
    Adults (18-64 years)
    39
    From 65 to 84 years
    0
    85 years and over
    0

    Subject disposition

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    Recruitment
    Recruitment details
    Participants were recruited in three intensive care units across Ireland between 06/01/2021 and 28/02/2022. Recruitment was organised and supervised by intensive care research and clinical research facilities within recruiting centres and in line with national and international standards and guidelines, and local standard operating procedures.

    Pre-assignment
    Screening details
    The research nurses, coordinators and investigators at each site work with clinicians to identify potential candidates for enrolment. All patients with severe COVID-19 in participating Critical care units were screened daily during the study period (October 2020 to February 2022).

    Period 1
    Period 1 title
    Study Enrollment Period
    Is this the baseline period?
    Yes
    Allocation method
    Randomised - controlled
    Blinding used
    Not blinded
    Blinding implementation details
    This is an open-label trial. The standard of care group did not receive a placebo for operational reasons during COVID-19 pandemic. All patients facing study personnel were unblinded however, the statistician performing data analysis will be blinded to allocation.

    Arms
    Are arms mutually exclusive
    Yes

    Arm title
    Heparin Therapy
    Arm description
    This group received the treatment under study
    Arm type
    Experimental

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Unfractionated Heparin
    Investigational medicinal product code
    IMP Package
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Anticoagulant and preservative solution for blood
    Routes of administration
    Inhalation use
    Dosage and administration details
    Nebulised unfractionated heparin 25000 units (5ml heparin sodium 5000 IU/ml (Pinewood laboratories, Clonmel, Ireland) was administered via the Aerogen Solo® nebuliser every 6 h from enrolment to day 10, or until discontinuation of advanced respiratory support (if sooner), with the dosage and schedule based on previous work.

    Arm title
    Standard Care
    Arm description
    This arm received standard medical care
    Arm type
    No intervention

    Investigational medicinal product name
    No investigational medicinal product assigned in this arm
    Number of subjects in period 1
    Heparin Therapy Standard Care
    Started
    20
    19
    Completed
    20
    19
    Period 2
    Period 2 title
    Outcome
    Is this the baseline period?
    No
    Allocation method
    Randomised - controlled
    Blinding used
    Double blind
    Roles blinded
    Subject, Investigator, Monitor, Data analyst, Carer, Assessor

    Arms
    Are arms mutually exclusive
    Yes

    Arm title
    Heparin
    Arm description
    -
    Arm type
    Experimental

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Unfractionated Heparin
    Investigational medicinal product code
    IMP Package
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Anticoagulant and preservative solution for blood
    Routes of administration
    Inhalation use
    Dosage and administration details
    Nebulised unfractionated heparin 25000 units (5ml heparin sodium 5000 IU/ml (Pinewood laboratories, Clonmel, Ireland) was administered via the Aerogen Solo® nebuliser every 6 h from enrolment to day 10, or until discontinuation of advanced respiratory support (if sooner), with the dosage and schedule based on previous work.

    Arm title
    Standard Care
    Arm description
    Standard Care
    Arm type
    No intervention

    Investigational medicinal product name
    No investigational medicinal product assigned in this arm
    Number of subjects in period 2
    Heparin Standard Care
    Started
    20
    19
    Completed
    20
    19

    Baseline characteristics

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    Baseline characteristics reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Heparin Therapy
    Reporting group description
    This group received the treatment under study

    Reporting group title
    Standard Care
    Reporting group description
    This arm received standard medical care

    Reporting group values
    Heparin Therapy Standard Care Total
    Number of subjects
    20 19 39
    Age categorical
    Units: Subjects
        In utero
    0 0 0
        Preterm newborn infants (gestational age < 37 wks)
    0 0 0
        Newborns (0-27 days)
    0 0 0
        Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0 0 0
        Children (2-11 years)
    0 0 0
        Adolescents (12-17 years)
    0 0 0
        Adults (18-64 years)
    20 19 39
        From 65-84 years
    0 0 0
        85 years and over
    0 0 0
    Age continuous
    Units: years
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    56.6 ( 11.5 ) 51.3 ( 14.9 ) -
    Gender categorical
    Units: Subjects
        Female
    7 8 15
        Male
    13 11 24
    Ethnicity
    Units: Subjects
        Caucasian
    19 17 36
        Black,African,Caribbean,Ethnic Black
    0 2 2
        Asian, Ethnic Asian
    1 0 1
    COVID-19 Diagnosis
    Units: Subjects
        Confirmed
    19 19 38
        Suspected
    1 0 1
    Concomitant/Prior Steroids
    Units: Subjects
        Yes
    16 18 34
        No
    4 1 5
    Baseline Respiratory Support
    Units: Subjects
        High Flow Nasal Oxygen
    10 8 18
        Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
    7 6 13
        Positive Pressure Ventilator Support
    3 5 8
        No Advanced Respiratory Support
    0 0 0
    Adjunctive Therapies
    Units: Subjects
        Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs
    6 7 13
        Prone Position
    12 9 21
        None
    2 3 5
    Concomitant/Prior Antiviral medications
    Units: Subjects
        Yes
    1 0 1
        No
    19 19 38
    Concomitant/Prior Other Immunomodulatory Drugs
    Units: Subjects
        Yes
    3 4 7
        No
    17 15 32
    BMI
    Body Mass Index
    Units: kg/m2
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    31.1 ( 5.2 ) 31.8 ( 6.4 ) -
    First Qualifying PaO2/FiO2 Ratio
    Units: ratio
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    179.6 ( 64.2 ) 133.9 ( 44.2 ) -
    Worst PaO2/FiO2 ratio (first 24 hours)
    Units: ratio
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    158.4 ( 63.2 ) 148.6 ( 58.1 ) -
    Total SOFA Score
    Units: units
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    3 (3 to 8) 4 (3 to 9) -
    Lowest Mean Arterial Pressure
    Units: mmHg
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    88.5 ( 15 ) 84.5 ( 15.4 ) -
    Ferritin
    Units: ng/mL
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    1586.5 (728.25 to 2954.25) 1239 (635.5 to 1326.0) -
    C-Reactive Protein
    Units: mg/L
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    65.6 (40.55 to 81.75) 43.17 (25.1 to 95.96) -
    Procalcitonin
    Units: ng/L
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    0.12 (0.08 to 0.18) 0.11 (0.09 to 0.27) -

    End points

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    End points reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Heparin Therapy
    Reporting group description
    This group received the treatment under study

    Reporting group title
    Standard Care
    Reporting group description
    This arm received standard medical care
    Reporting group title
    Heparin
    Reporting group description
    -

    Reporting group title
    Standard Care
    Reporting group description
    Standard Care

    Primary: Tiime to separation from respiratory support

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    End point title
    Tiime to separation from respiratory support
    End point description
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    Duration of Respiratory Support
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: days
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    9 (4 to 28)
    5 (2 to 28)
    Statistical analysis title
    Survival analysis
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.88
    Method
    Logrank
    Parameter type
    Hazard ratio (HR)
    Point estimate
    0.9
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.47
         upper limit
    1.7

    Primary: Length of ICU stay

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    End point title
    Length of ICU stay
    End point description
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    Duration of Stay in Intensive Care Unit
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: days
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    10.5 (5.42 to 12.4)
    7.8 (4.1 to 19.7)
    Statistical analysis title
    Survival Analysis
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.931
    Method
    Logrank
    Parameter type
    Hazard ratio (HR)
    Point estimate
    0.99
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.5
         upper limit
    1.99

    Primary: Length of Hospital Stay

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    End point title
    Length of Hospital Stay
    End point description
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    Duration of Hospital Stay
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: days
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    22.8 (14.35 to 32.05)
    21.6 (14.72 to 33.27)
    Statistical analysis title
    Survival analysis
    Comparison groups
    Standard Care v Heparin
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.974
    Method
    Logrank
    Parameter type
    Hazard ratio (HR)
    Point estimate
    1.01
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.48
         upper limit
    2.13

    Primary: 28-day mortality

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    End point title
    28-day mortality
    End point description
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    28 days from randomisation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    1
    1
    Statistical analysis title
    Relative Risk
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.95
    Method
    Relative Risk
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    0.95
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.06
         upper limit
    14.13

    Secondary: 60-day Mortality

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    End point title
    60-day Mortality
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    60 days from randomisation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    3
    2
    Statistical analysis title
    Relative Risk
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.712
    Method
    Relative Risk
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    1.43
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.27
         upper limit
    7.61

    Secondary: Any Adverse Events

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    End point title
    Any Adverse Events
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    At any stage during participation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    16
    14
    Statistical analysis title
    Binary Logistic Regression
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.663
    Method
    Regression, Logistic
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    1.09
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.77
         upper limit
    1.54

    Secondary: Any Serious Adverse Events

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    End point title
    Any Serious Adverse Events
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    During study participation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    9
    5
    Statistical analysis title
    Binary Logistic Regression
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.249
    Method
    Regression, Logistic
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    1.58
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.44
         upper limit
    5.73

    Secondary: Any Haemorrhage

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    End point title
    Any Haemorrhage
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    During study participation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    5
    3
    Statistical analysis title
    Binary Logistic Regression
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.512
    Method
    Regression, Logistic
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    1.58
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.44
         upper limit
    5.73

    Secondary: Requiring blood transfusion

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    End point title
    Requiring blood transfusion
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    During study participation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    0
    0
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Thromboembolic Event

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    End point title
    Thromboembolic Event
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    During study participation
    End point values
    Heparin Standard Care
    Number of subjects analysed
    20
    19
    Units: subjects
    1
    1
    Statistical analysis title
    Binary Logistic Regression
    Comparison groups
    Heparin v Standard Care
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    39
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.974
    Method
    Regression, Logistic
    Parameter type
    Risk ratio (RR)
    Point estimate
    0.974
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.06
         upper limit
    14.13

    Adverse events

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    Adverse events information
    Timeframe for reporting adverse events
    During study participation
    Assessment type
    Non-systematic
    Dictionary used for adverse event reporting
    Dictionary name
    MedDRA
    Dictionary version
    19.0
    Reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Heparin Treatment
    Reporting group description
    -

    Reporting group title
    Standard Care
    Reporting group description
    -

    Serious adverse events
    Heparin Treatment Standard Care
    Total subjects affected by serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    9 / 20 (45.00%)
    5 / 19 (26.32%)
         number of deaths (all causes)
    3
    2
         number of deaths resulting from adverse events
    3
    2
    Investigations
    Elevated Liver Function Tests
    Additional description: Elevated Liver Function Tests
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Episode of desaturation, dyspnea and altered consciousness.
    Additional description: Episode of desaturation, dyspnea and altered consciousness.
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Episode of desaturation, respiratory arrest call put out, readmitted to Intensive Care Unit
    Additional description: Episode of desaturation, respiratory arrest call put out, readmitted to Intensive Care Unit
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Vascular disorders
    Brachial Artery occlusion with arterial dissection
    Additional description: Brachial Artery occlusion with arterial dissection
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Epistaxis
    Additional description: Epistaxis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cardiac disorders
    Cardiac Tamponade
    Additional description: Cardiac Tamponade
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Nervous system disorders
    Right arm tingling and numbness
    Additional description: Right arm tingling and numbness
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Vomiting
    Additional description: Vomiting
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    acquired pneumonia
    Additional description: acquired pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    Chest pain
    Additional description: Chest pain
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Infective Exacerbation of COPD
    Additional description: Infective Exacerbation of COPD
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Right vocal cord palsy
    Additional description: Right vocal cord palsy
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Severe respiratory failure
    Additional description: Severe respiratory failure
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    Shock Liver
    Additional description: Shock Liver
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Psychiatric disorders
    Alcohol Withdrawal
    Additional description: Alcohol Withdrawal
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Worsening Acute Kidney Injury requiring renal replacement therapy
    Additional description: Worsening Acute Kidney Injury requiring renal replacement therapy
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Infections and infestations
    Unresolved Covid-19 Pneumonitis
    Additional description: Unresolved Covid-19 Pneumonitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    Unresolved Covid-19 pneumonitis leading to Multi organ failure.
    Additional description: Unresolved Covid-19 pneumonitis leading to Multi organ failure.
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    Worsening Covid pneumonitis requiring Extra Corporeal Membranous Oxygenation
    Additional description: Worsening Covid pneumonitis requiring Extra Corporeal Membranous Oxygenation
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Worsening of Covid pneumonitis
    Additional description: Worsening of Covid pneumonitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    Metabolism and nutrition disorders
    Weight Loss
    Additional description: Weight Loss
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Frequency threshold for reporting non-serious adverse events: 0%
    Non-serious adverse events
    Heparin Treatment Standard Care
    Total subjects affected by non serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    13 / 20 (65.00%)
    14 / 19 (73.68%)
    Vascular disorders
    copious blood stained secretions
    Additional description: copious blood stained secretions
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Epistaxis
    Additional description: Epistaxis
         subjects affected / exposed
    5 / 20 (25.00%)
    3 / 19 (15.79%)
         occurrences all number
    5
    4
    Haematuria
    Additional description: Haematuria
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2
    Haemoptysis
    Additional description: Haemoptysis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Hypotension
    Additional description: Hypotension
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    1
    General disorders and administration site conditions
    Swelling to right arm
    Additional description: Swelling to right arm
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Deterioration in Medical Condition
    Additional description: Worsening of condition resulting in re-admission to ICU
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    1
    Immune system disorders
    Allergic Reaction to betalactams
    Additional description: Allergic Reaction to betalactams
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    bronchospasm
    Additional description: bronchospasm
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Candida Albicans in sputum- worsening of medical history
    Additional description: Candida Albicans in sputum- worsening of medical history
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Coughing episode
    Additional description: Coughing episode
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Enterobactor Colocea-Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia
    Additional description: Enterobactor Colocea-Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Hafnia Alvei in sputum
    Additional description: Hafnia Alvei in sputum
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Hospital acquired pneumonia
    Additional description: Hospital acquired pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2
    Numbness to nose
    Additional description: Numbness to nose
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    patient complaining of intermitant pain to costal region
    Additional description: patient complaining of intermitant pain to costal region
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Pneumomediastinum
    Additional description: Pneumomediastinum
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Pneumothorax
    Additional description: Pneumothorax
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    probable ventilator associated pneumonia
    Additional description: probable ventilator associated pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Pulmonary Embolism
    Additional description: Pulmonary Embolism
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    1
    query new pneumonia
    Additional description: query new pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Right sided pnemothorax
    Additional description: Right sided pnemothorax
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    severe hiccups
    Additional description: severe hiccups
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    severe hypoxemic respiratory failure
    Additional description: severe hypoxemic respiratory failure
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    supraglottic oedema
    Additional description: supraglottic oedema
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    sore throat
    Additional description: sore throat
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Ventilator Aquired Pneumonia
    Additional description: Ventilator Aquired Pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    1
    Worsening of MSSA in sputum
    Additional description: Worsening of MSSA in sputum
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Investigations
    Abnormal Liver function test
    Additional description: Abnormal Liver function test
         subjects affected / exposed
    3 / 20 (15.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    3
    2
    Blood cultures positive for gram negative bacilli and pseudomonas aeruginosa
    Additional description: Blood cultures positive for gram negative bacilli and pseudomonas aeruginosa
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Elevated Creatinine Kinase
    Additional description: Elevated Creatinine Kinase
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Elevated Trigylcerides
    Additional description: Elevated Trigylcerides
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    2
    Elevated Troponin
    Additional description: Elevated Troponin
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Gram Negative Bacilli on Cultures
    Additional description: Gram Negative Bacilli on Cultures
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    T Wave Inversion
    Additional description: T Wave Inversion
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Worsening Elevated Liver function tests
    Additional description: Worsening Elevated Liver function tests
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
    Bleeding from tracheostomy site
    Additional description: Bleeding from tracheostomy site
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Injection site bleeding
    Additional description: Injection site bleeding
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    surgical emphsema
    Additional description: surgical emphsema
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Cardiac disorders
    Atrial Fibrillation
    Additional description: Atrial Fibrillation
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Fast Atrial Fibrillation
    Additional description: Fast Atrial Fibrillation
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Sinus tachycardia
    Additional description: Sinus tachycardia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation
    Additional description: Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Nervous system disorders
    Left Hand Numbness
    Additional description: Left Hand Numbness
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Lockjaw sensation
    Additional description: Lockjaw sensation
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    right sided weakness
    Additional description: right sided weakness
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Seizure like activity
    Additional description: Seizure like activity
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    anaemia
    Additional description: anaemia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    3 / 19 (15.79%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    3
    Thrombocytopenia
    Additional description: Thrombocytopenia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2
    Eye disorders
    papillioedema
    Additional description: papillioedema
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Ulceration to tongue
    Additional description: Ulceration to tongue
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Left big toe mottled
    Additional description: Left big toe mottled
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Acute Kidney Injury
    Additional description: Acute Kidney Injury
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Nephrolithiasis
    Additional description: Nephrolithiasis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Urinary incontinence
    Additional description: Urinary incontinence
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Worsening of acute kidney injury
    Additional description: Worsening of acute kidney injury
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Infections and infestations
    deteriorating sepsis
    Additional description: deteriorating sepsis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 20 (5.00%)
    0 / 19 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Oral thrush
    Additional description: Oral thrush
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Pansinusitis
    Additional description: Pansinusitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    worsening of herpes simplex virus
    Additional description: worsening of herpes simplex virus
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Metabolism and nutrition disorders
    gross Metabolism acidosis requiring re-intubation
    Additional description: gross Metabolism acidosis requiring re-intubation
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    hyperkalemia
    Additional description: hyperkalemia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    1 / 19 (5.26%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Hypernatremia
    Additional description: Hypernatremia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 20 (0.00%)
    2 / 19 (10.53%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2

    More information

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    Substantial protocol amendments (globally)

    Were there any global substantial amendments to the protocol? Yes
    Date
    Amendment
    11 Aug 2020
    • NCT number has been added • Secondary outcomes divided into secondary and ‘other’ outcomes • Exclusion Criteria # 15 has been added. • Changes have been made to the IMP section 9 to make the section more explicit • Changes made to section 15.2 Auditing and Monitoring to outline the process further • Other minor changes.
    25 Aug 2020
    In response to HPRA Queries: • Exclusion criteria changed to platelet count 50 from 20 • Clarification of exclusion criteria regarding premorbid state • Clarification in Introduction Summary – our group changed to our Australian colleagues… • We have added some extra information justifying the dose selected in Introduction: “Bleeding and blood transfusion”
    09 Sep 2020
    In Response to further HPRA Queries: • Edits to introduction section on: • Treatment of pulmonary microvascular thrombosis and hyaline membranes • SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by heparin • Added paragraph “D-dimer as an outcome measure” • Edits to sections Safety and tolerability of nebulised heparin and Bleeding and blood transfusion • Additional exclusion criteria : Any other specific contraindication to anticoagulation including prophylactic anticoagulation not otherwise listed here
    25 Sep 2020
    • Amendment of Safety Outcomes to include recording of all episodes of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), according to the definition of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis • Amendment of Exclusion criterion #3 from ‘APTT>120 seconds and this is not due to anticoagulant therapy’ to read ‘APTT>100 seconds and this is not due to anticoagulant therapy’
    01 Oct 2020
    • Amendment to exclusion criteria number 3, to remove the phrase “and this is not due to anticoagulant therapy” to just APTT > 100 seconds
    25 Jan 2021
    • Substantial changes were made to the protocol to extend the inclusion criteria to patients with COVID respiratory failure receiving other forms of advanced respiratory support in addition to invasive mechanical ventilation. • There are also some smaller changes such as to measurements but they are largely a reflection of the changed inclusion criteria or to correct formatting and typographical errors. • Specific exclusion criteria of systemic anticoagulation other than prophylactic anticoagulation including additional text in sections 8.8 and 8.9.
    22 Feb 2021
    • The title of the trial has changed from 'mechanical ventilation' to 'Advanced Respiratory support'. • Inclusion criteria altered to include patients on therapeutic anticoagulation with heparin or LMWH • Exclusion criteria updated to remove any therapeutic anticoagulation, other changes made throughout the protocol • Details of new EU MAH added to drug supplier due to Brexit • The person undertaking the role of the Vice President of Research in NUI Galway has changed personnel. This resulted in an update to the named Sponsor person. • Other minor changes have been made to the protocol.

    Interruptions (globally)

    Were there any global interruptions to the trial? No

    Limitations and caveats

    Limitations of the trial such as small numbers of subjects analysed or technical problems leading to unreliable data.
    This was an early phase study and was not powered for efficacy

    Online references

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36104785
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39186127
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35106809
    For support, Contact us.
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