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The breathing muscle that may hit pause: scientists probe diaphragm hibernation in ICU

NCT ID NCT07819864

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Radboud University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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Recruiting now
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Not yet recruiting This study
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The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
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Cancelled before anyone took part.

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When the status isn't known

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First seen Sep 15, 2026 · Last updated Sep 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center are studying whether the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle, enters a hibernation-like state in ICU patients who need a breathing machine. The study follows 112 adults on invasive mechanical ventilation for at least three days. Scientists use magnetic stimulation of the nerve that controls the diaphragm and blood tests to measure muscle strength and look for biological clues linked to this hibernation state. The goal is to understand what drives it and whether it affects how well patients can be taken off the ventilator.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If researchers can identify what drives diaphragm hibernation, doctors may one day use that knowledge to protect breathing muscles and help ICU patients come off ventilators more safely.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, so it cannot prove cause and effect. The findings may not apply to all ICU patients, and the link between diaphragm hibernation and weaning success remains uncertain.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

About 112 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Oct 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Dec 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

The study population consists of newly admitted adult ICU patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, in whom the first study assessment can be performed within 36 hours after initiation of IMV and who are expected to require IMV for at least 3 days.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at screening. * Expected to remain mechanically ventilated for ≥ 72 hours from enrolment. * The first study assessment can be performed within 36 hours after initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing neuromuscular disease affecting the diaphragm (e.g. motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, advanced muscular dystrophy, high cervical spinal cord injury) or use of neuromuscular blocker. * Known phrenic nerve palsy or prior diaphragmatic paralysis. * Long-term home mechanical ventilation (invasive or non-invasive) prior to ICU admission. * Post-operative patients after planned diaphragm or phrenic nerve surgery. * Contraindications to phrenic nerve magnetic stimulation (e.g., unstable cervical spine injury, uncontrolled intracranial hypertension, metallic implants in stimulation area as per manufacturer guidance). * Pregnancy. * Participation in another interventional trial that explicitly prohibits co-enrolment or is expected to substantially influence diaphragm function (e.g. experimental neuromuscular blocking strategies), as decided by the principal investigator.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diaphragm disorder respiratory failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Diaphragm dysfunction Respiratory failure, icu Weaning invasive mechanical ventilation

How to take part

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  1. The places running it

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  2. The official record

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)

    Nijmegen, Gelderland, 6525 GA, Netherlands

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