The main STEPCARE trial randomizes patients to three different interventions: (1) continuous deep sedation for 36 hours or minimal sedation (with extubation if feasible), (2) fever control with or without a feedback-controlled device if the temperature rises above 37.7°C, and (3) a mean arterial pressure (MAP) target of ≥65 mmHg or ≥85 mmHg.
This sub-study evaluates the effects of these three interventions on major adverse kidney events (MAKE), defined as a composite of death within 30 days, initiation of renal replacement therapy during the stay in the primary hospital, or persistent renal dysfunction, defined as a final creatinine value ≥200% of baseline at the time of discharge from the primary hospital.
Creatinine kinetics during the stay in the primary hospital and within 72 hours post-resuscitation are evaluated as secondary outcomes.
All data are collected prospectively as part of the main trial protocol, and analyses will be conducted according to a predefined statistical analysis plan.
