NCT06953674 · University of Louisville
Saline Versus Balanced Crystalloid in Traumatic Brain Injury
(FLUID-TBI)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine which crystalloid (saline or balanced) should be used in the critical management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in moderate or severe TBI patients. This trial will determine whether the use of saline or balanced crystalloids is associated with improved outcomes in TBI patients. Participants will 1.
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The goal of this clinical trial is to determine which crystalloid (saline or balanced) should be used in the critical management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in moderate or severe TBI patients. This trial will determine whether the use of saline or balanced crystalloids is associated with improved outcomes in TBI patients. Participants will 1. be given fluids through the veins, either saline or balanced fluid will be given. 2. From the first day to the day 14 of the hospitalization (or discharge, whichever comes first), vital signs, laboratory values, treatments given, and other medical data will be collected from the medical record. 3. Six months later, your final disability, if any, will be assessed during your follow-up with a doctor. It involves answering a short survey that will take about 5 minutes or less.
Interventions
DRUG
Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
For the primary purpose of fluid therapy or resuscitation in the emergency room and during hospitalization. The interventions will be administered intravenously whenever isotonic intravenous fluid administration is ordered by the treating provider for fluid resuscitation and/or maintenance in the emergency room and during inpatient hospitalization. Assignment to the intervention arm will be adhered to from enrollment to discharge. The total volume, rate, initiation, cessation, and co-interventions will be left to the discretion of the treating provider. Adherence will be ensured by dual interventions at the level of pharmacy IV fluid supply and physician order. The fluids will be physically administered according to the standard intravenous procedures and those outlined in the manufacturer's instructions.
DRUG
balanced crystalloid
For the primary purpose of fluid therapy or resuscitation in the emergency room and during hospitalization. The interventions will be administered intravenously whenever isotonic intravenous fluid administration is ordered by the treating provider for fluid resuscitation and/or maintenance in the emergency room and during inpatient hospitalization. Assignment to the intervention arm will be adhered to from enrollment to discharge. The total volume, rate, initiation, cessation, and co-interventions will be left to the discretion of the treating provider. Adherence will be ensured by dual interventions at the level of pharmacy IV fluid supply and physician order. The fluids will be physically administered according to the standard intravenous procedures and those outlined in the manufacturer's instructions.
Primary outcome measures
Neurological Outcomes
Time frame: 6 months post injury
Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) 8-point scale. Glasgow Outcome Scale has been widely accepted as the standard assessment scale of global outcomes after severe brain injury because it captures well how the injury affects functioning in major areas of life. Using the manual for the GOSE interview, we will conduct our primary efficacy assessment at 6 months after ICU admission in person or over the phone. Outcomes on the GOSE scale do not change past the 6-month mark in moderate and severe TBI patients. The 8-point ordinal GOSE scale for the primary efficacy assessment will be dichotomized into favorable (GOSE score 4-8) and unfavorable (GOSE 1-3) outcomes. The primary analysis model will be a logistic regression model where the outcome of interest is the dichotomized GOS-E evaluated at 6 months to reflect favorable and unfavorable outcomes. The covariate of interest is a randomization assignment.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Trauma patients presenting to the Emergency Room for initial care
- Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12
- Head CT with skull fracture(s) and/or hemorrhage(s) (\>1cm in any single dimension) with a reported mechanism of trauma
Exclusion criteria
- Severe visceral trauma dictating mortality (visceral injury severity score \> brain injury severity score)
- Non-survivable brain injury based on the treating physician's judgment
- Emergent visceral operative intervention before complete trauma assessment
- Concern for ruptured intracranial vascular malformation
- Patients who are transferred from another facility
Where
- Louisville, Kentucky
Collaborators
Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Board
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations