Epilepsy drug may protect organs during heart surgery — trial tests the idea

NCT ID NCT03825250

NEW Terminated Prevention Sponsor: University of Leicester Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether sodium valproate, a drug used for epilepsy, can reduce damage to the heart and kidneys in adults undergoing heart surgery with a heart-lung machine. Participants receive the drug for one to six weeks before their operation, and researchers measure organ injury through blood tests, exercise tests, and other assessments. The goal is to see if the drug makes organs more resistant to the stress of surgery, potentially lowering the risk of complications.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Sodium valproate, an epilepsy drug, given before surgery to see if it protects the heart and kidneys from damage during cardiac surgery.
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a simple pre-surgery treatment that reduces organ damage and complications in heart surgery patients.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with a small number of patients, so results may not be conclusive. Sodium valproate can have side effects, and its benefit in this setting is unproven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder heart valve disorder multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CARDIAC VALVE DISEASE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE ORGAN FAILURE, MULTIPLE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester, Leicestershire, LE3 9QP, United Kingdom

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