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Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe TBI, Phase 3 (BOOST3)

  • Study HIC#:2000024956
  • Last Updated:02/22/2024

BOOST3 is a randomized clinical trial to determine the comparative effectiveness of two strategies for monitoring and treating patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study will determine the safety and efficacy of a strategy guided by treatment goals based on both intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2) as compared to a strategy guided by treatment goals based on ICP monitoring alone. Both of these alternative strategies are used in standard care. It is unknown if one is more effective than the other. In both strategies the monitoring and goals help doctors adjust treatments including the kinds and doses of medications and the amount of intravenous fluids given, ventilator (breathing machine) settings, need for blood transfusions, and other medical care. The results of this study will help doctors discover if one of these methods is more safe and effective.

  • Age14 years and older
  • GenderBoth

Contact Us

For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:

Michael Kampp

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You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile, or contact helpusdiscover@yale.edu, or call +18779788343 for more information.

Trial Purpose and Description

BOOST3 is a randomized clinical trial to determine the comparative effectiveness of two strategies for monitoring and treating patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study will determine the safety and efficacy of a strategy guided by treatment goals based on both intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2) as compared to a strategy guided by treatment goals based on ICP monitoring alone. Both of these alternative strategies are used in standard care. It is unknown if one is more effective than the other. In both strategies the monitoring and goals help doctors adjust treatments including the kinds and doses of medications and the amount of intravenous fluids given, ventilator (breathing machine) settings, need for blood transfusions, and other medical care. The results of this study will help doctors discover if one of these methods is more safe and effective.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Non-penetrating traumatic brain injury
  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-8 measured off paralytics
  • Glasgow Coma Scale motor score < 6 if endotracheally intubated
  • Evidence of intracranial trauma on CT scan
  • Able to place intracranial probes and randomize within 6 hours of arrival at enrolling hospital
  • Able to place intracranial probes and randomize within 12 hours from injury
  • Age greater than or equal to 14 years

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Non-survivable injury
  • Bilaterally absent pupillary response in the absence of paralytic medication
  • Contraindication to the placement of intracranial probes
  • Treatment of brain tissue oxygen values prior to randomization
  • Planned use of devices which may unblind treating physicians to brain tissue hypoxia
  • Systemic sepsis at screening
  • Refractory hypotension
  • Refractory systemic hypoxia
  • PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 200
  • Known pre-existing neurologic disease with confounding residual neurological deficits
  • Known inability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) without assistance prior to injury
  • Known active drug or alcohol dependence that, in the opinion of site investigator, would interfere with physiological response to brain tissue oxygen treatments
  • Pregnancy
  • Prisoner
  • On EFIC Opt-Out list as indicated by a bracelet or medical alert

Principal Investigator

Sub-Investigators

For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact: