Could donor stem cells help lungs heal in ARDS?
NCT ID NCT03818854
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donor bone marrow could help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung condition. 120 adults on ventilators received either stem cells or a placebo. Researchers measured changes in oxygen levels and lung injury scores over the first 36 hours and beyond.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- human mesenchymal stromal cells (stem cells from donor bone marrow)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for severe lung failure (ARDS) that reduces the need for high oxygen and ventilator support.
- What could go wrong
- This is a mid-stage trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to all ARDS patients. The treatment is still experimental and may not improve outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, Washington, 98112, United States
-
Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
-
University of California Davis Medical Center
Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
-
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
-
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center
San Francisco, California, 94110, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Arm position during ICU Face-Down care may harm nerves
- Could a simple vest help COVID-19 patients breathe easier?
- Brain scans may predict recovery from ICU delirium in lung failure patients
- New imaging technique may help ventilator settings for lung injury patients
- ECMO Patients' hidden infection risk under the microscope
- New ventilation technique tested in ICU patients with severe lung failure