# Multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of the feasibility and safety of inhaled hydrogen gas during ECPR

> **NIH NIH R33** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2024 · $768,213

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Background. The purpose of the proposed research is to test the feasibility and safety of inhaled hydrogen gas
(H2) administration as a rescue therapy during cardiac arrest requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (ECPR). Among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) receiving ECPR, 52% either die or
suffer severe neurologic impairment. Diatomic hydrogen (H2) chemically reduces toxic oxygen mediators that
directly damage cellular structures, and has been shown to improve neurologic and renal function in a number
of preclinical ischemic injury models. Recently, we have demonstrated that inhalation of 2.4% H2 for up to 72
hours is safe in healthy adults. However, H2 has never been applied to the ECPR population.
Study design. We propose an early-phase, two-site, randomized trial of H2 in ECPR patients entitled the
‘Hydrogen FAST Trial’ (Hydrogen’s Feasibility And Safety as a Therapeutic agent). Key Inclusion criteria are
(1) patients with CHD (broadly defined, including myocarditis, channelopathies, transplant rejection), (2)
experiencing a cardiac arrest >5 minutes and receiving ongoing CPR, and (3) a decision made to resuscitate
using ECPR. The trial will be led by MPIs John Kheir, MD and Lynn Sleeper, ScD, who have a strong
collaborative history in this area and complementary expertise in critical care, translational research, and clinical
trials. Furthermore, the trial design has received favorable feedback from the FDA.
During the R61 Phase: (1) Regulatory (IRB and FDA) approvals will be obtained, including exception from
informed consent (EFIC) requirements. This is necessary because the emergent nature of ECPR and time-
sensitivity of H2 preclude traditional informed consent. Instead, non-opt-out patients will be randomized and
enrolled emergently, with subsequent traditional informed consent. (2) Investigational product (IP)
manufacturing, storage, and administration logistics will be established. (3) Endpoint adjudication processes
and DSMB infrastructure will be established. (4) Study roll-out and clinical staff education will be completed,
followed by a 3-patient vanguard phase (Phase 0) trial.
During the R33 Phase, 53 patients with CHD will be randomly assigned in a 3:2 (32/21) ratio to either usual care
plus 2.4% H2 gas following ECPR for 72 hours or to usual care from two sites. Primary endpoints include
measures of feasibility and safety (rate of treatment-associated severe adverse events, adjudicated by an
independent committee blinded to treatment group). Secondary endpoints will include functional status, brain
biomarkers and cranial images obtained using a new point-of-care MRI device.
Impact. The experienced team and infrastructure in place for this trial will ensure the successful completion of
R31 and R466 milestones. If H2 therapy is shown to be feasible and safe, this work will provide a foundation for
H2 administration in the critical care environment, and subsequent testing in ca...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10911996
- **Project number:** 5R33HL164373-03
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** John Nagi Kheir
- **Activity code:** R33 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $768,213
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10911996

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10911996, Multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of the feasibility and safety of inhaled hydrogen gas during ECPR (5R33HL164373-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10911996. Licensed CC0.

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