The VAM-IHCA trial is a randomized clinical trial evaluating the combination of vasopressin and methylprednisolone for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (see Interventions). This combination is being compared to placebo in a blinded fashion. An overview of the interventions are provided in the flow chart to the right. Approximately 500 patients will be enrolled over a period of 3-4 years at nine hospitals in Denmark (see Sites).

The primary outcome is return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and secondary outcomes include survival and neurological outcome 30 days after the cardiac arrest.

This trial includes unconscious patients that are unable to provide informed consent. Given the urgency of the intervention, it is not possible to obtain consent from a surrogate (e.g., family member). The trial is therefore conducted under the regulation of an “acute study” in accordance with Danish law with the use of an independent “research guardian” for consent. As soon as possible, consent for future data collection will be obtained from the patient or a surrogate.

The trial is approved by the Regional Ethics Committee in Denmark and the Danish Medicines Agency.