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WHO Symposium, Toronto


The ICC-CTN formed part of a global representation of respiratory research networks at the WHO Symposium in Toronto in October 2023.

The symposium addressed meeting global needs for oxygen and respiratory care. The preliminary results of the O2Cov2 study, on understanding oxygen use for patients with acute respiratory infection due to COVID-19 in LMICs, were presented and identified the need for optimising respiratory support for critically ill patients. The ICC-CTN and global respiratory research networks collaborated to formulate future directions and develop opportunities and insights for the WHO for global research in this area. 

We are delighted to announce the publication of these collaborative discussions.

The initiative reconvenes this May.


Early Career Researcher Seed Funding Award


We are thrilled to announce that our Early Career Researcher Seed Funding Award call is now open. Launched last year, the ICC-CTN opens an annual call for this awards scheme for 4 years. We encourage early career researchers working on critical care research on the island of Ireland to apply. This initiative aligns with a major ICC-CTN strategic objective to be a centre supporting researchers and supports the development of future trialists in this field.

This year, there will be 3 awardees,:
- 1 ECR (Clinical Research)
- 1 Nursing / Allied Health
- 1 Trials Methodology

Please see attached the guidance document and application forms. There is a single application for both Nurses/AHPs and Trials Methodology awards.

The call will close on the 23rd of April, when applications will undergo eligibility checks and will be reviewed by independent expert panelists.

The 3 awardees will present their work at the annual ICC-CTN meeting on the 11th of June 2024 in Belfast. Applicants must be available to present on this day.

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


TAME Trial Results


TAME Trial Results Presentation at CCR23


TAME Trial Summary from Alistair Nichol & Glenn Eastwood


The TAME (Targeted Therapeutic Mild Hypercapnia after Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest) trial represents a pivotal exploration into the potential benefits of controlled mild hypercapnia in patients who have been resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This landmark study was conducted across multiple centers, with a significant contribution from the Irish Critical Care Clinical Trial Network, underscoring Ireland's commitment to advancing critical care research on a global scale. The trial's findings were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and presented at the Critical Care Reviews Meeting 2023 (CCR23), highlighting its importance in the field of critical care medicine.

The background of the TAME trial centers on the hypothesis that targeted mild hypercapnia could improve neurological outcomes in patients after cardiac arrest. Traditionally, the management of carbon dioxide levels post-resuscitation has focused on normocapnia. However, preclinical studies suggested that slightly elevated carbon dioxide levels might confer neuroprotective benefits. The trial aimed to investigate whether this approach could translate into improved clinical outcomes.

Designed as a randomized, controlled trial, TAME meticulously evaluated the impact of inducing mild hypercapnia (targeting a PaCO2 of 45-50 mm Hg) compared to normocapnia (PaCO2 of 35-45 mm Hg) in the critical post-resuscitation period. This intervention was applied for 24 hours, with outcomes measured through a composite of death and neurological function at 90 days post-event, employing the modified Rankin Scale to assess neurological outcomes.

The results of the TAME trial were eagerly anticipated by the critical care community. They provided concrete evidence on the efficacy and safety of targeted therapeutic mild hypercapnia. While the detailed outcomes and implications for practice are encapsulated in its NEJM publication, the presentation at CCR23 facilitated a broader discussion on its potential to reshape post-resuscitation care protocols. Through its rigorous design and execution, the TAME trial not only contributed valuable evidence to critical care medicine but also showcased the vital role of collaborative research networks like the Irish Critical Care Clinical Trial Network in advancing patient care on an international level.