Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Oxytocin Bolus Versus Slow Infusion on Haemodynamic Stability During Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia

This study compares two standard ways of giving oxytocin (a medicine that helps the uterus contract) after the baby is born during a planned caesarean section performed under spinal anaesthesia. One group of women will receive oxytocin as a quick injection into the vein. The other group will receive the same dose of oxytocin as a slow infusion over 15 minutes. The researchers want to find out which method causes less drop in blood pressure and other heart-related changes, while still providing good contraction of the uterus and preventing excessive bleeding.

TSCS for Acute SCI

This project will focus on a novel approach to stabilizing blood pressure (BP) during inpatient rehabilitation after acute SCI. After SCI, people have unstable blood pressure, ranging from too low (orthostatic hypotension) to too high (autonomic dysreflexia). Unstable BP often interferes with performing effective physical rehabilitation after SCI. A critical need exists for the identification of safe, practical and effective treatment options that stabilize BP after traumatic SCI. Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS) has several advantages over pharmacological approaches: (1) does not exacerbate polypharmacy, (2) can be activated/deactivated rapidly, and (3) can be applied in synergy with physical exercise. The study team is asking the key question: "What if applying TSCS earlier after injury could prevent the development of BP instability?" To facilitate adoption of TSCS for widespread clinical use, the study team plans to map and develop a parameter configuration that will result in an easy to follow algorithm to maximize individual benefits, while minimizing the burden on healthcare professionals. This project will provide the foundational evidence to support the feasible and safe application of TSCS in the newly injured population, thereby overcoming barriers to engagement in prescribed inpatient rehabilitation regimens that are imposed by BP instability.

Peripheral pULSe Assessment and Arterial pRessure (PULSAR)

This prospective multicenter observational study aims to investigate the relationship between palpable peripheral pulses and simultaneously measured arterial blood pressure in adult patients with circulatory shock or impending circulatory failure. Peripheral pulse palpation is routinely used in emergency medicine, trauma care, critical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a rapid clinical assessment of circulation. However, the association between palpable pulses and actual arterial blood pressure remains poorly validated. Patients treated in emergency departments, intensive care units, operating rooms, and other acute care settings will undergo routine pulse palpation at predefined anatomical locations including carotid, femoral, and radial arteries. Simultaneously measured non-invasive and/or invasive arterial blood pressure values will be recorded from routine clinical monitoring systems. Additional clinical variables relevant to circulatory status will also be collected. The study seeks to define blood pressure thresholds associated with pulse palpability and evaluate the agreement between invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements in patients with circulatory shock.

Development of Advanced Double Intravenous Vasopressor Automated (ADIVA) System

Maternal hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery may bring various adverse effects. It is therefore important to closely monitor hypotension during spinal anaesthesia, however current technology does not allow the blood pressure monitoring to respond in timely manner should there be any occurrence of hypotension. The investigators developed an advanced double-intravenous vasopressor automated system (ADIVA) so as to tackle this issue via novel algorithm to control blood pressure more rigorously with more stable haemodynamic profiles.

Blood'up Device Versus Manual Palpation for Arterial Puncture in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Randomized Study Under Normal and Simulated Hypotension

Arterial puncture is a common procedure in the management of hospitalized patients. It is most often performed at the level of the radial artery and allows arterial blood gas analysis. The success rate of arterial puncture varies widely in the literature. This procedure is moderately painful and may cause significant discomfort, particularly in cases of repeated attempts. First-attempt success is therefore important to reduce both pain and the risk of local complications associated with multiple punctures. In routine practice, arterial puncture is performed using manual palpation of the radial artery, typically by a trained nurse. In case of failure, a physician may attempt the procedure, often using ultrasound guidance. However, ultrasound is not routinely used and requires specific training and organizational protocols for nurse use. In hypotensive conditions, such as shock, the radial pulse may become difficult to palpate, making arterial puncture more challenging when using conventional techniques. The Blood'up device (Arterya, Hérouville, France) is a non-invasive device currently under development that assists in arterial localization. It is applied to the wrist and projects a light signal indicating the position of the artery. This localization is based on ultrasound technology using piezoelectric sensors integrated into the device. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Blood'up device for radial artery localization in healthy volunteers, both under physiological conditions (normal blood pressure) and under simulated hypotensive conditions.

Effectiveness of Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) in Preventing Hypotension in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Postoperative hypotension in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is common and linked to adverse outcomes. The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) predicts hypotensive events intraoperatively, but its PACU application is unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of HPI-guided monitoring in preventing PACU hypotension.

Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in SCI

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of non-pharmacological and pharmacological anti-hypotensive treatment interventions on orthostatic hemodynamic responses, symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia and orthostatic hypotension, and levels of fatigue and comfort in hypotensive individuals with SCI.

Perfusion Index and Spinal Hypotension in Day-Case Knee Arthroscopy

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the role of the baseline perfusion index (PI) in predicting spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) in ASA I-II patients undergoing day-case knee arthroscopy. Spinal anesthesia is a widely preferred technique for lower extremity surgeries, including knee arthroscopy. However, sympathetic blockade during spinal anesthesia frequently leads to significant hemodynamic instability, particularly hypotension, which can result in adverse perioperative outcomes. While age and baseline blood pressure are traditional risk factors, they often fail to accurately predict the onset of hypotension in healthy populations. The perfusion index (PI), a non-invasive parameter measured via pulse oximetry, reflects peripheral vascular tone and baseline sympathetic activity. An elevated baseline PI indicates baseline vasodilation and a higher susceptibility to sympathectomy, potentially offering an early and non-invasive prediction of SAIH before the hemodynamic collapse occurs. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (defined as a mean arterial pressure \< 65 mmHg or a decrease in systolic blood pressure \> 25% from baseline). Secondary outcomes include the onset time of sensory block, and intraoperative ephedrine and fluid requirements.

Prediction of Risk of Hypotension in Hemodialysis

The main objective is to establish a statistical predictive model of the risk of intradialytic hypotension during hemodialysis (HD) or hemodiafiltration (HDF) sessions based on the measurement of residual blood volume and excess extracellular hydration. The secondary objective is to study the impact of dysfunction in the mechanisms of compensation for decreased blood volume (heart disease, neuropathy, drugs) on the risk of intradialytic hypotension.

Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index for Predicting Post-Induction Hypotension

This study aims to investigate whether the Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index (IJV-CI), measured via ultrasonography, can predict hypotension (low blood pressure) that occurs after the induction of general anesthesia. Researchers will measure the diameter of the internal jugular vein in patients before surgery and compare these measurements with the blood pressure changes during the first minutes of anesthesia. The goal is to determine if IJV-CI can be used as a reliable, non-invasive tool to identify patients at higher risk of developing anesthesia-induced hypotension.

Early Prediction of ICU Hypotension Using Machine Learning

This prospective observational study aims to develop and internally validate a machine learning model for the early prediction of hypotension in adult intensive care unit patients. The model will use routinely collected non-invasive vital signs, heart rate, medication-dose records, and fluid-balance data recorded during standard ICU care. No intervention will be assigned by the study, and patient management will not be changed according to the model output. The primary aim is to predict hypotension 30 minutes before its occurrence; shorter 5- and 15-minute prediction horizons will also be evaluated.

Epinephrine in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Dose-Effect Trial

The use of peri-arrest bolus epinephrine (PBE) has emerged as a rescue strategy for life-threatening hypotension in pediatric intensive care units (ICU) despite scant published data supporting its use in this setting. As optimal dosing of PBE in this population is unclear, we aim to determine if an initial dose of 0.5 mcg/kg versus 1.0 mcg/kg yields differences in hemodynamic outcomes. The EPI Dose Study is a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, dose-effect trial measuring systolic blood pressure (SBP) before and after PBE is given. We hypothesize that the 1.0 mcg/kg group will have more robust increases in SBP.

Impact of Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation on Blood Pressure and Orthostasis in Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this study is to learn whether stimulation applied to the spinal cord through the skin (called transcutaneous spinal stimulation) can help control blood pressure in people with a spinal cord injury. The main questions this study attempts to solve: 1. What are the immediate effects of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation on BP? 2. Does stimulation produce lasting improvements in BP regulation and subsequently, daily function?

Propofol vs. Ciprofol for Anesthesia Induction in Frail Elderly Patients

Post-induction hypotension (PIH) is a common and critical complication during general anesthesia, particularly in frail elderly patients whose physiological reserves are significantly diminished. PIH is strongly associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and myocardial injury. Propofol is the most widely used induction agent but frequently induces circulatory depression. Ciprofol, a novel anesthetic agent developed by optimizing the molecular structure of propofol, has demonstrated improved hemodynamic stability and fewer adverse effects in general populations. However, its specific impact on frail elderly patients remains unestablished. The primary purpose of this single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial is to compare the effects of propofol and ciprofol during anesthesia induction on the incidence of PIH in frail elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. The investigator's hypothesis is that ciprofol will significantly lower the incidence of PIH compared to propofol. Additionally, the study will evaluate secondary clinical outcomes, such as postoperative AKI, postoperative cardiac complications, and the overall quality of recovery, to provide an evidence-based clinical guide for selecting optimal induction agents for this vulnerable patient population.

The Effect of HPI to Reduce Intraoperative Hypotension in Caesarean Sections

During caesarean section, blood pressure variations especially a reduction in blood pressure (or hypotension) can bring harmful effects to mother and baby. This usually occurs after spinal anaesthesia is administered. Usually, the anaesthetist will treat hypotension as it occurs. However, a new medical device is now available to predict hypotension. It is called the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI). This device allows the prediction of hypotension; hence, treatment can be given before it occurs. It has been widely utilised in major surgeries like abdominal tumour surgery and cardiac surgery worldwide and has shown a substantial reduction in hypotension. This study aims to determine whether the duration and severity of hypotension can be reduced when HPI is used in lower segment caesarean sections. The secondary objective of the study is to determine if the complication rate can be reduced in both mother and baby.

Is Permissive Hypotension Truly Harmless? Early Biomarker Evidence of Subclinical Kidney Injury in Rhinologic Surgery

This study aims to investigate the effects of permissive hypotension, which is routinely used in rhinologic surgeries such as rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), on renal function. Although permissive hypotension has been widely practiced to improve surgical field visibility and reduce intraoperative blood loss, its specific definition is not standardized in the literature. In most studies, maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) within the range of 50-65 mmHg is considered permissive hypotension. MAP values below 60 mmHg have been associated with increased risk of cardiac and renal complications. However, in otherwise healthy patients, such episodes are frequently tolerated without clinically apparent renal dysfunction. The kidneys have a strong compensatory reserve capacity, and early tubular injury may not be detected by conventional renal function tests such as serum creatinine. Therefore, the use of more sensitive biomarkers is necessary to detect potential subclinical injury. In this prospective observational study, serum NGAL and cystatin C levels will be measured from routine preoperative and postoperative (12-24 hours) blood samples obtained from adult patients undergoing rhinologic procedures. A ≥25% increase in these biomarkers from baseline will be considered indicative of subclinical acute kidney injury. Additionally, intraoperative hemodynamic data will be monitored, and the duration of MAP \<60 mmHg and MAP \<65 mmHg will be recorded. At the end of the procedure, surgical field conditions will be evaluated using the Boezaart Surgical Field Score. The relationship between these parameters and biomarker changes will be analyzed. The goal of this study is to determine whether early, clinically silent renal injury may occur during permissive hypotension and to provide insight into its potential implications for future renal function. All interventions and blood samplings are part of routine care, and no additional procedures will be performed for research purposes.

Predictors of Clinically Relevant Hypotension and Hypoxemia During Propofol-Based Diagnostic Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

This prospective observational cohort study will evaluate the incidence and independent predictors of clinically relevant hypotension and hypoxemia during propofol-based diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy in adult patients at a tertiary referral hospital in Vietnam. Participants undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, or combined diagnostic procedures with propofol administration will be followed from pre-procedure assessment through the early recovery period. The study will assess demographic, clinical, airway, procedural, and sedation-related variables associated with clinically relevant cardiopulmonary adverse events.

Dexmedetomidine Versus Nitroglycerin on Surgical Field Quality and Drug Cost in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries

Sinus surgery is one of the most prevalent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries, which is mainly carried out nowadays through functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and leads to significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of patients with rhinosinusitis. It is necessary to maintain safe conditions for this surgery, and the major problem reported during FESS under general anesthesia (GA) is impaired visibility due to excessive amount of bleeding. This is particularly important for the successful surgery of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses because even minimum amount of bleeding might seriously impair the successful completion of the surgery, increase the operational risk, and increase surgery time which are major concerns for both anesthesiologist and ENT specialist. Controlled hypotension is the commonly used technique to limit blood loss and improve visualization in the surgical field during FESS, various techniques have been adopted to achieve controlled hypotension, one of them is the use of pharmacological drugs in the form of volatile anesthetics, direct-acting vasodilators, autonomic ganglion-blockers, and α-adrenergic receptor blockers. Alpha-2 (α-2) receptors are found in the peripheral and central nervous systems, platelets and many other organs including the liver, pancreas, kidney, and eye. Stimulation of the receptors in the brain and spinal cord inhibits neuronal firing causing hypotension, bradycardia, sedation, and analgesia. Alpha-2 (α-2) agonist drugs have sympatholytic, sedative, anesthetic, and analgesic sparing effects, as well as vasoconstrictive effects and thereby reduce intraoperative bleeding. Also, the use of α-2 agonists in the perioperative period has been associated with reduced anesthetic requirements, decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (selectivity ratio for α2: α1 is 1600:1). The sympatholytic effect of dexmedetomidine made it attractive to be used as a hypotensive drug during surgery because of decreasing heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (CO) without decreasing stroke volume unless the plasma concentrates reaches above 5.1 μg/mL. The cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine begin with initial hypertension following the administration of a loading dose, due to the activation of α 2B receptors located on vascular smooth muscle, with subsequent hypotension and bradycardia due to centrally mediated decrease in sympathetic tone. Dexmedetomidine also has sedative, amnesic, anxiolytic, hypnotic, and analgesic effects with minimal changes in respiratory variables. Furthermore, it reduces postoperative nausea, vomiting, and shivering. It also reduces delirium in patients after cardiac surgery. Nitroglycerin is a directly acting vasodilator drug frequently used to produce controlled hypotension because it is easily titratable and having very rapid onset as well as rapid offset of action. However, the disadvantages of nitroglycerin are reflex tachycardia and venous congestion which leads to increased blood loss. Aim of the work was improving surgical field quality and drug cost in patients undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries by comparing between dexmedetomidine and nitroglycerin.

Effects of Transitional Circulation in ELBW Infants

Prematurity is a very important problem in this country. Prematurity can cause problems with organ (such as the brain, heart, kidneys) growth and development. A very important part of keeping premature babies healthy is ensuring good blood flow to all of these organs. Some premature babies have problems with their hearts and getting enough blood out to the rest of their bodies. This problem is referred to as hypotension (low blood pressure) and is found by looking at blood test values and while examining the baby. These babies will need medications to help their heart deliver blood to all of the important areas in their bodies. Babies who have hypotension requiring medications tend to have more problems than premature babies that don't need hypotension medication. Some of these problems include a higher risk of bleeding into their brain, kidney problems, liver problems, intestinal (gut) problems causing difficulty tolerating feeds, and a very dangerous infection of their intestines. Some long term effects include hearing loss, developmental delay, and learning problems in the future that are worse than other premature babies who did not have hypotension. Hypotensive premature babies also have a higher risk of death. The cause of hypotension in the first week of life is still not known. We know that babies have to get used to being in the outside world instead of in the womb. A lot of changes with the heart and lungs have to happen for them to not be affected by that transition. If we could gain a better understanding of those changes, we might be able to prevent some of these issues from happening. This study will look closely at premature babies with and without hypotension to assess the heart and lung changes in the first week of life. To do this, we will use monitoring machines and tests to get a better idea of all the changes that happen. This information will help all neonatologists who care for premature babies.

Levobupivacaine and Lidocaine for Paravertebral Block Causes Greater Hemodynamic Oscillations Than Levobupivacaine

The purpose and the goal of this paper is to show whether the application of a combination of two local anesthetics, as opposed to the application of one local anesthetic at paravertebral block changes the hemodynamic variable. It is therefore a prospective randomized double- blind study, where we do a clinical trial in patients ASA(American Society of Anesthesiologists) 1 and 2 statuses between 18 and 80 years of age, using the ultrasound in plane technology.Upon arrival of patients in the unit for preparation procedures for anesthesia we set the ECG(electrocardiograph), noninvasive blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and arterial cannula in the radial artery After sterile washing of the dorsal surface, paravertebral space was identified with ultrasound using 8 Hz(hertz) linear transducer probe then needle position was confirmed with neurostimulation at the level of 2.0 - 5.0 mA(milliampere). When muscle contraction persisted at 0.4mA(milliampere), the anesthetic was applied in levels of Th 2, Th3, and Th 4 (7,0 milliliters per level). We applied the 0.5 % levobupivacaine and 2 % lidocaine, 7,0 milliliters of mixture per level in one group, while only 0.5 % levobupivacaine also 7,0 milliliters. by level in the second one. After that, the invasive hemodynamic monitoring was placed on patients and the induction with 1 % propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg.and Vecuronium 0,08 mg/kg. was performed with the application of supraglottic airway gel of appropriate size. The maintenance of anesthesia and sedation will be conducted with Propofol 1 % continuously ( 25-150 mcg / kg / min.)The measurements will be taken every 5 minutes during the first hour of the application of paravertebral block, then every 15 minutes during the second hour and if the operation takes more than two hours, the measurements are performed every 30 minutes. Postoperatively, invasive hemodynamic monitoring will be removed in post-anesthesia recovery room together with the arterial cannula and the patient will be sent to the hospital ward with non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, saturation) until the termination of the blocks.Statistical methods, By comparing two target groups, we analysed the strength of the test with following assumptions: X2 difference test, the expected difference in variances in stroke volume between groups of 60%, α significance level of 0.05, and the minimum statistical test strength of 85%. The required total sample should include at least 80 patients, that is, 40 per group.Data will be presented in tables and graphs. Descriptive statistics of examined variables with appropriate measures of central tendency will be made. Smirnov -Kolmogorov test will assess the normality of data distribution. According to the received results, the appropriate parametric and / or nonparametric tests will be used. Comparisons of quantitative values between the two groups will be analyzed using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Dependent values within each group will be analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures or Friedman test. Differences in categorical values will be analyzed by X2 test. The appropriate regression model will be made in order to predict the variability of stroke volume in which the dependent variable will be a variation of the stroke volume, while relevant clinical values will be taken as predictor variables. All P values smaller than 0.05 will be considered significant. This research is to present the main results - the existence of the significant change in Stroke Volume Variation (SVV) between groups using invasive hemodynamic monitoring, the changes of Stroke Volume Variation(SVV) depending on the time from the application within groups, differences in volume compensation of crystalloids and colloids and the need for the application of vasoactive drugs. Furthermore, as a secondary results we will present the time to maximal block development, the duration of post operative analgesia, patient satisfaction and time needed for the full recovery from the block.

Midodrine in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction With Hypotension

The evidence-based pharmacologic treatments available for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been established over the last few decades of cardiovascular research. These treatments, termed Foundational Guideline-Directed-Medical Therapies (GDMT), prolong patient life, improve patient-reported symptoms, and reduce hospitalizations for heart failure. A direct effect of most medication classes encompassed within GDMT is the reduction in blood pressure due to their mechanisms of action. In addition, as patients with HFrEF become more advanced in their disease, a significant proportion develop hypotension related to pump failure and autonomic dysfunction, amongst other possible mechanisms. As a result, a significant proportion of HFrEF patients are not optimized on GDMT with hypotension as their limiting barrier that would otherwise have served to improve their heart function, heart failure symptoms, and mortality. Currently, there does not exist any evidence-based strategies to address the problem of hypotension in HFrEF patients who are not optimized on GDMT. Midodrine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist (α1-AR) that exerts its effects on peripheral venous and arteriolar vasculature to increase blood pressure. This medication has been used off-label by some clinicians in the hypotensive HFrEF population to increase blood pressure and has been reported to have beneficial effects in improving GDMT utilization as well as increasing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in published case reports/case series. There does not exist any randomized prospective data on the use of midodrine in the hypotensive HFrEF population. The investigators' objective is to complete the first open-label, randomized control trial of midodrine in the hypotensive HFrEF population to demonstrate feasibility in performing a trial in this patient population and to show efficacy in increasing blood pressure without associated harm. The results of this trial will be used as the foundation and rationale for future studies assessing the impact of midodrine use on GDMT utilization as well as hard cardiovascular outcomes in the hypotensive HFrEF population, including hospitalizations for heart failure and mortality.

Hydrocortisone Therapy Optimization During Hypothermia Treatment in Asphyxiated Neonates

This is a prospective, single center, pharmacokinetic study of intravenous hydrocortisone therapy for systemic low blood pressure during hypothermia treatment in asphyxiated newborns. Patients will be allocated to hydrocortisone supplementation while receiving conventional inotropic therapy as needed. The hypothesis is that a detailed study of hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics during therapeutic hypothermia would help to personalize steroid supplementation in asphyxiated neonates. As the overall metabolic rate decreases with lower body temperature, drug metabolism is likely to be reduced as well, and lower doses, or less frequent dosing will be sufficient to achieve the targeted steroid range and biological effects in asphyxiated neonates with relative adrenal insufficiency. Thus, the investigators are planning to measure initial, baseline serum cortisol levels and serial serum cortisol levels after hydrocortisone supplementation in cooled asphyxiated neonates.

Effects of Ondansetron on Hemodynamic Changes After Spinal Anesthesia in Geriatric Urologic Surgery

Spinal anesthesia is frequently used in urologic surgery in geriatric patients; however, it may cause significant hemodynamic changes such as hypotension and bradycardia. These changes can be more pronounced in elderly patients due to age-related physiological alterations. Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, has been suggested to attenuate spinal anesthesia-induced hemodynamic instability by modulating vagal reflexes. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effects of ondansetron on hemodynamic changes following spinal anesthesia in geriatric patients undergoing urologic surgery. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded during the intraoperative period, and the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and vasopressor requirements were assessed.

Trendelenburg as a First-line Intervention in Critically Ill, Sedated, Invasively Mechanically Ventilated, Hypotensive Patients

A pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Trendelenburg position in critically ill patients with hypotension, mainly patients with septic shock and post operative vasoplegia. The main aim is to assess whether Trendelenburg position can improve organ function through a reduction in the need of fluid infusion and dose of vasopressors. Patients will be screened for participation in the study and eventually randomized based on a balanced randomization scheme (1:1) to Trendelenburg position up to 72 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission or Semirecumbent position (standard of care).