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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07241130

Using End-Tidal CO₂ to Help Diagnose and Monitor Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can reduce blood flow in the lungs and impair gas exchange, leading to lower end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) levels. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether EtCO₂ can help identify high-risk and intermediate-high-risk patients and monitor early treatment response, especially during thrombolytic therapy. A total of 120 participants were included: high-risk PE, intermediate-high-risk PE patients who received thrombolysis, intermediate-high-risk PE patients treated only with anticoagulation, and healthy controls.

The study measured EtCO₂ along with oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, perfusion index, and radiological obstruction scores. By comparing these parameters at diagnosis and during the first 24 hours, the study seeks to determine whether EtCO₂ can serve as a simple, noninvasive marker of disease severity and early hemodynamic improvement in patients with acute PE.

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Key information

Conditions

Pulmonary Embolism Acute

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Ataturk University

Erzurum, 25200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism confirmed by CT pulmonary angiography (for PE groups) Classified as high-risk or intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism according to ESC/ERS 2019 guidelines Ability to provide informed consent For healthy control group: no history of cardiopulmonary disease, coagulation disorders, or acute medical illness

Exclusion criteria

Known chronic respiratory diseases significantly affecting EtCO₂ measurement (e.g., advanced COPD, severe asthma, chronic respiratory failure) Active infection, sepsis, or acute complications of malignancy Prior thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism Anatomical or technical limitations preventing reliable nasal capnography Pregnancy Individuals younger than 18 years Inability or refusal to provide informed consent

Treatment and study plan

thrombolytic therapy

Other

Participants received standard clinical management according to current pulmonary embolism guidelines. No intervention was assigned by the investigators.

Primary outcomes

  1. End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO₂) Level at Diagnosis

    Time frame: At baseline (within first 1 hour of diagnosis)

    EtCO₂ level measured in mmHg using nasal capnography at the time of diagnosis to assess its ability to identify high-risk and intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism and to predict the need for thrombolytic therapy.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ataturk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of End-Tidal CO₂ Levels in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Pulmonary Embolism

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Nov 21, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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