Study of delirium in intensive care using brain PET scan at the patient's bedside: the PETITION-ICU study

Zusammenfassung der Studie

Delirium is a common complication in intensive care units. It is characterized by inattention, disordered thinking, and cognitive disturbances (memory and reasoning disorders). In the intensive care unit at CHUV, 60% of mechanically ventilated patients develop a state of delirium. This figure can reach 80% in some intensive care units. The condition has been known for a long time, but the mechanisms involved are still unknown. There are risk factors that promote its development, such as certain medications. We aim to understand the link between the method of sedation, the effects of prolonged mechanical ventilation, and the duration of the delirium state. This project is a pilot study, and the medical device is being used for the first time on humans. This new medical device (medical equipment) is a scaled-down model of the PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners found in hospitals. There is no additional risk associated with its use. Furthermore, as the PETITION-ICU scanner is attached to the head of the patient's bed, we do not need to disconnect life-supporting devices or transport the patient to the imaging room, which reduces the risks associated with transporting intensive care patients to the nuclear medicine department.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Intervention

During this study, a contrast agent that allows visualization of sugar consumption in different parts of the brain will be injected into the participant. One hour after the injection of the contrast agent, a scan will be performed at the patient's bedside using a prototype PET scanner. This miniaturized scanner allows for a sequence of images of the patient's brain to be taken directly in their bed, without having to move them to the imaging department.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Krankheit(en)

Delirium is a common complication for ventilated patients that generally occurs 72 hours after the start of ventilation and can affect 60% of mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care. It is characterized by inattention, disordered thinking, and cognitive disturbances (memory and reasoning disorders).

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire

(BASEC)

Name der bewilligenden Ethikkommission (bei multizentrischen Studien nur die Leitkommission)

Ethikkommission Waadt

(BASEC)

Datum der Bewilligung durch die Ethikkommission

14.08.2025

(BASEC)

Ergebnisse der Studie