Can baking soda save lives in the ICU? new trial investigates
NCT ID NCT02476253
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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DAR St Eloi
Montpellier, 34000, France