Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusions for Depressive Symptoms in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Recruiting · 2 sites across 2 states
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
\*\*Brief Summary\*\* Depressive symptoms are frequent among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and may be associated with worse clinical outcomes, reduced participation in care, lower treatment adherence, and increased mortality. Conventional antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have limited utility in this setting because of their delayed onset of action, incomplete efficacy, and potential drug interactions in medically complex patients.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
\*\*Brief Summary\*\* Depressive symptoms are frequent among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and may be associated with worse clinical outcomes, reduced participation in care, lower treatment adherence, and increased mortality. Conventional antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have limited utility in this setting because of their delayed onset of action, incomplete efficacy, and potential drug interactions in medically complex patients. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has emerged as a rapid-acting antidepressant when administered at subanesthetic doses. Preliminary evidence suggests that intravenous ketamine may improve mood-related symptoms within a short time frame and may have an acceptable safety profile in selected critically ill patients. The KID-ICU trial (Ketamine In Depression - Intensive Care Unit) is a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subanesthetic intravenous ketamine infusions for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms in adult ICU patients. Eligible participants are adults who have been admitted to the ICU for 6 or more days and have moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score of 10 or greater. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intravenous ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 60 mg per day, administered over 40 to 60 minutes on 2 consecutive days, or placebo with normal saline in an identical presentation. The primary efficacy outcome is the change in PHQ-9 score from baseline to Day 30 after the last infusion. Safety outcomes include prespecified hemodynamic, neuropsychiatric, and treatment-discontinuation events during and after infusion. Secondary outcomes include anxiety and depression symptoms assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), clinical severity and improvement assessed with Clinical Global Impression scales, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality. A total of 50 participants will be enrolled across intensive care unit sites at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Psychiatric and clinical follow-up will be provided to all participants regardless of treatment assignment.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Age 18 to 99 years
- •Male or female
- •In the ICU for 6 or more days at the time of screening
- •Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms with PHQ-9 score of 10 or greater at screening
- •Can provide informed consent
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •A history of psychosis or hallucinations
- •A history of prolonged QT interval (a heart rhythm problem)
- •A history of dementia
- •History of major depressive disorder before the current ICU admission
- •Pregnancy, or postpartum within 2 months, or breastfeeding
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–99
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Depression
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
\*\*Brief Summary\*\* Depressive symptoms are frequent among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and may be associated with worse clinical outcomes, reduced participation in care, lower treatment adherence, and increased mortality. Conventional antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have limited utility in this setting because of their delayed onset of action, incomplete efficacy, and potential drug interactions in medically complex patients.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07639359 · Locations: Florida · Buenos Aires