The RIGHT Trial: Rapid Intervention with Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in Hypertensive stroke Trial
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN66434824 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN66434824 |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | 2007-004766-40 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham (UK) |
| Funders | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (Research &Development Pump Priming competition), The Division of Stroke, University of Nottingham |
- Submission date
- 18/02/2008
- Registration date
- 09/05/2008
- Last edited
- 21/08/2015
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Circulatory System
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims.
The first few hours following a stroke are critical as there may be brain cells that are at the risk of dying but may still be saved. High blood pressure following stroke is common and may impact negatively on the survival of these brain cells. Trials that have assessed the effect of lowering blood pressure following a stroke however have not shown any benefit, but this may be because treatment was often delayed by several hours by the time patients were seen in the hospital. Our goal is to assess the feasibility of using the ambulance services to deliver acute stroke treatments. In this study, paramedics will treat patients with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a drug that dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure, within 4 hours of stroke. The study will also provide important information on the effects of GTN in very acute strokes.
Who can participate?
We aim to recruit 80 patients with a stroke who are within 4 hours of onset and also have high blood pressure. Only patients who are seen by our trained paramedics in the Nottingham City, UK district will be included in the study.
What does the study involve?
Patients will be randomly allocated to receive either a dressing containing GTN or a standard gauze dressing. Paramedics will then measure the patients' blood pressure 10-15 minutes after the dressing is applied. Once in the hospital more detailed information will be given and if patients agree to continue in the study, the treatment will be continued daily for 7 days. Researchers will check the blood pressure every day and perform clinical assessments after completion of 7 days treatment. The final follow up is at 3 months and a member of the research team will do a face to face assessment of the patient, check on their condition, and ask questions about mobility, mood, memory and quality of life.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There may be no direct benefit for patients taking part in the study. The information we get from patients' involvement may benefit other people who may have a stroke in the future. All drugs have the possibility of side effects. The side effects from GTN are generally mild. They can include headache, low blood pressure and dizziness. Patients will be monitored and asked to inform the treating doctor or member of the research team if they feel they have a reaction to the medication.
Where is the study run from?
The Division of Stroke, University of Nottingham.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study started recruitment in February 2010 and is expected to run until the end of December 2011.
Who is funding the study?
The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Research and Development, The Division of Stroke, University of Nottingham.
Who is the main contact?
Professor Philip Bath
Philip.bath@nottingham.ac.uk
Dr Sandeep Ankolekar
Sandeep.ankolekar@nottingham.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
Division of Stroke Medicine
University of Nottingham
Clinical Sciences Building
City Hospital
Hucknall Road
Nottingham
NG5 1PB
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)115 823 1765 |
|---|---|
| philip.bath@nottingham.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single-blind randomised controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Determining the potential of ambulance-based randomised controlled trials in patients with hyperacute stroke: assessment of glyceryl trinitrate in lowering blood pressure |
| Study acronym | RIGHT |
| Study objectives | 1. To assess the feasibility of performing an ambulance-based trial in patients with hyperacute stroke, a key question for the future testing of potential interventions aimed at neuroprotection and physiological control 2. To assess the effect of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on blood pressure (BP) in this setting On 05/11/2012 the overall trial end date was changed from 31/12/2011 to 15/03/2012. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Nottingham research ethics committee, 08/04/2009, ref: 09/H0408/5 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Acute stroke |
| Intervention | Transdermal GTN (5 mg) or no patch. Total duration of treatment: 7 days Total duration of follow up: 90 days |
| Intervention type | Drug |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | Glyceryl trinitrate |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
To assess the feasibility of using the ambulance service to test and deliver treatment for stroke in the hyperacute setting, will be measured as effects of GTN on blood pressure at 2 hours post-treatment. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Current secondary outcome measures as of 05/11/2012: |
| Completion date | 15/03/2012 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 41 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adult patients of either sex; greater than 40 years of age 2. Paramedic assessment of stroke on basis of positive Face & Arm weakness and Speech abnormality Test (FAST) in the context of a call to a patient with a possible acute stroke 3. Event less than 4 hours of onset (sleep stroke - onset as bed time) 4. High systolic BP (greater than 140 mmHg) |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. No consent/assent is available 2. GTN is indicated (e.g. concurrent angina) 3. GTN is contraindicated (e.g. dehydration, hypovolaemia) 4. Aged less than 40 years 5. Coma; Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score less than or equal to 8 6. History of seizures 7. Non-ambulatory pre-morbidly (modified Rankin scale of greater than 2) 8. Hypoglycaemia (if glucose tested) 9. Patients from a nursing home |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/02/2010 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/12/2011 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
NG5 1PB
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not provided at time of registration |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 01/11/2013 | Yes | No | |
| Protocol article | protocol | 01/11/2012 | Yes | No | |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
