Can baking soda save lives in the ICU? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT02476253

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving sodium bicarbonate (a common buffer) to critically ill patients with severe metabolic acidosis helps them survive and recover. 400 ICU patients with low blood pH and high lactate were randomly assigned to receive either sodium bicarbonate or no buffer. The main goal was to see if it reduced death or organ failure by day 28.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Sodium Bicarbonate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to improve survival and reduce organ failure in ICU patients with severe acidosis.
What could go wrong: This is a completed phase 3 trial, but sodium bicarbonate has been debated for decades and may not improve outcomes. It could also cause side effects like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acidosis metabolic acidosis Shock

As listed by the trial registrant

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

METABOLIC ACIDOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

DAR St Eloi

Montpellier, 34000, France

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