Clinical Research Directory

The Role of Acetazolamide in Mitigating Inflammation and Innate Immune Activation at High Altitude

High altitude travel can lead to inflammation in the body and activation of innate immune cells. The investigators' prior research demonstrates that 1 to 3 days at 3800 m elevation leads to increased expression of genes in blood cells that code for proteins that signal cell damage (damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), cell receptors involved in innate immune responses, as well as increases in monocyte and neutrophil cells which promote inflammation. This study will investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these effects using the drug Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which is known to reduce symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Lung Ultrasound Score and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Major Non-Thoracic Surgery

This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate the predictive value of perioperative lung ultrasound (LUS) score in determining early postoperative oxygen requirement and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major non-thoracic surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive, bedside imaging modality that allows real-time assessment of lung aeration and pathology. This study will investigate the association between perioperative LUS score and early postoperative respiratory outcomes, including oxygen requirement and pulmonary complications.

Titrated Ambulatory Oxygen in Fibrotic ILD and COPD With Isolated Exertional Hypoxemia

Fibrotic forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic lung disease which often affect how well oxygen can get from the lungs into the blood. Low blood oxygen levels often leads to shortness of breath which can affect patients' activity levels and quality-of-life. Many people with fibrotic ILD and COPD only have low oxygen levels when they are walking or exercising. Oxygen that is only used for walking or exercise is called ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT). Laboratory studies suggest that AOT improves shortness of breath and exercise ability. However, real-world studies of AOT have not shown similar results. AOT can be given to patients through different types of equipment, most commonly oxygen tanks or portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). While previous studies have suggested that AOT does not significantly improve patients' breathing or activity in the real-world, these studies most often gave all participants the same amount of oxygen with the same device. However, patients with ILD and COPD often have very different oxygen needs during exercise, and POCs and oxygen tanks are very different in how oxygen is administered. This trial will test the feasibility of a study to determine whether real-world activity, symptoms, and quality-of-life are different with the use of different oxygen equipment when oxygen therapy has been adjusted to meet each participants' oxygen needs. A total of 24 participants (12 with fibrotic ILD and 12 with COPD) who only have low oxygen levels with activity will be randomly assigned to 2-week periods using either no oxygen therapy or oxygen delivered by oxygen tanks or POC. This trial will provide preliminary data to support a larger clinical trial to further test how different AOT equipment titrated to meet individual patients' needs may affect real-world outcomes in people with ILD and COPD.

Effects of Oxygen Supplementation During the 6-Minute Walk Test in Chronic Respiratory Failure or Exertional Hypoxemia

The aim of this multicenter crossover trial is to describe the effect of adding a therapeutic dose of exertional oxygen therapy, in terms of exercise performance, gas exchange, heart rate, symptoms perception and subjective easiness of performance, in a cohort of subjects hospitalized in specialized pulmonary rehabilitation centers with a diagnosis of chronic respiratory failure and/or exertional hypoxemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease. Researchers will compare the walking performance during 6-minute walk test performed with the liters of oxygen administered as prescribed at rest (for patients with chronic respiratory failure) or in room air (for patients with exertional hypoxemia only), to the performance during a 6-minute walk test performed with the double the flow rate prescribed at rest, or with 2 L/min for patients with exertional hypoxemia only. The two tests will be performed in random order, at least 3 hours apart and no later than 24 hours apart from each other. The main outcome will be the difference between the distance walked in the two 6-minute walk test in the two conditions. Furthermore, will be also collected and compared: the oxygen saturation and heart rate every minute, the initial and final dyspnea and fatigue, as assessed by Borg scale, and the easiness of performance through a dedicated questionnaire. The estimated sample size will be 114 patients. This study will provide some basis for a more accurate prescription of exercise-related oxygen therapy, offering insights into the phenotype of patients who may derive the greatest benefit from this intervention. It will also stimulate discussion regarding the optimal timing and dosing of oxygen administration during exertion in patients with respiratory failure.

Investigation of Skin Pigmentation Effect on Performance of Masimo Pulse Oximetry (INSPIRE)

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of Masimo RD SET® SpO2 sensors in subjects with light and dark skin pigmentation in the intensive care therapeutic area.

Real-Time End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring for Early Warning of Hypoxemia in Painless Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Using Capnography for Safer Sedation in Painless Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Why is this study important? For procedures like painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy, patients receive sedation to ensure comfort. However, traditional monitoring (like checking heart rate and blood oxygen levels) can only detect breathing problems after they have already caused a drop in oxygen. This delay can be risky, especially for elderly patients whose breathing function is naturally weaker. This study looks at a better way to monitor patients. What is the new method? This study focuses on a technology called real-time end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) monitoring, also known as capnography. It is a simple, non-invasive device that continuously measures the carbon dioxide a patient breathes out. This provides an early warning system for doctors, alerting them to breathing issues (like a pause in breathing or an airway blockage) much sooner than traditional monitors can. What did the study find? Based on extensive research and clinical experience both in China and internationally (including the US and Europe), integrating ETCO₂ monitoring into painless digestive endoscopy procedures leads to significant improvements in patient safety: * Reduces Risks: It can decrease the occurrence of hypoxemia (dangerously low oxygen levels) by up to 31%. * Early Detection: It detects breathing problems 17.6 times more often than relying on traditional observation alone, giving anesthesiologists crucial extra time (often seconds) to intervene before a patient's oxygen drops. * Safer for Everyone: It is particularly effective in protecting high-risk groups, such as elderly patients and those with mild obesity. * Better Outcomes: It helps reduce postoperative complications like nausea and vomiting, and can lead to faster recovery from anesthesia. Value for Patients, Families, and Providers: * For Patients \& Families: This technology means a safer, more comfortable procedure with a lower risk of breathing complications. It provides peace of mind knowing your breathing is being watched continuously and carefully. * For Healthcare Providers: It offers a clear, real-time picture of a patient's breathing status. This supports quicker, more confident clinical decisions, reduces workload, and helps establish a standardized, quantifiable safety protocol for non-operating room anesthesia, aligning with the World Health Organization's goals for safer surgery.

Prevention of Desaturations Using Positive Airway Pressure or Capnometry During ERCP

Although sedation during endoscopy is sufficiently safe, desaturations are among the most common side effects of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, occurring in approximately 20-30% of cases. Sedation during endoscopy increases the complication rate, and a significant proportion of severe and serious side effects are respiratory/airway-related. However, most patients require sedation to complete the procedure and achieve adequate outcomes during therapeutic ERCP. Therefore, improved measures to increase ERCP safety are needed. Since the demand for anesthesia in many centers already (far) exceeds current capacities, performing additional ERCPs under general anesthesia is not an option. Innovative ways to improve cardiorespiratory monitoring or respiratory management during ERCP could offer a solution without significantly increasing costs. Fortunately, dedicated devices for respiratory management and/or monitoring during endoscopy already exist, but their impact on improving patient safety has not yet been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this prospective, randomized, open-label, non-interventional study is to investigate the effects of non-invasive airway management and respiratory monitoring devices on desaturation rate during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. For this purpose, 288 adult patients (male and female, 18+ years) undergoing ERCP for medical reasons will be enrolled and randomized to one of three groups: (i) airway management using positive airway pressure (PAP group), (ii) additional monitoring using capnography (capnography group), and (iii) a control group with standard monitoring/treatment (i.e., 2 L O2/min via nasal cannula) (control group). Patients are monitored during the ERCP procedure according to medical standards (non-invasive blood oxygen saturation measurement = SpO2, regular non-invasive blood pressure measurement, pulse), and all desaturation events (defined as an SpO2 \<85% for any duration according to guidelines) are recorded and treated according to guideline recommendations (the studies do not specify any measures for the (non-)treatment of desaturations). After the procedure, patients are followed (passively) for 30 days (review of medical records) to record late complications. The main outcome parameter is the comparison of the desaturation rate in the PAP versus the control group.

Combination of COMBO Endoscopy Oropharyngeal Airway and HFNC Oxygenation in Sedated Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for Morbidly Obese Patients

Hypoxaemia during sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy exceeds 40 % in morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35 kg m-²) patients. High-flow nasal cannula alone often fails because of persistent airway collapse. A recent innovation in this domain is the COMBO Endoscopy Oropharyngeal Airway-a multifaceted device that encompasses capnography monitoring, bite block , oxygenation support, and oropharyngeal airway management.The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the combination of the COMBO Endoscopy Oropharyngeal Airway and High-Flow Nasal Cannula oxygenation reduces the incidence of hypoxemia in this population.

POM vs HFNC for Hypoxemia Prevention in Children

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a commonly performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in children, allowing evaluation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, as well as interventions such as biopsy, foreign body removal, and polypectomy. Sedation is routinely used, often at greater depths than for standard examinations. Due to anatomical and physiological differences, including smaller airway diameter, higher oxygen consumption, and lower functional residual capacity, pediatric patients are at higher risk of airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and hypoventilation compared to adults. The passage of the endoscope through the mouth further limits airway access and increases the risk of desaturation. Oxygenation during pediatric endoscopy is typically supported using nasal cannulas, high-flow systems, or procedural oxygen masks (POM™). This pilot randomized study aims to compare POM™ and high-flow nasal cannula in preventing hypoxemia during sedated pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, contributing evidence for safer sedation and airway management practices in children.

Recovery Hypoxemia After Sedated Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may lead to respiratory events not only during the procedure but also in the early recovery period. Although most hypoxemic episodes are considered transient, their frequency, duration, and clinical consequences during recovery remain insufficiently defined. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the incidence, duration, and clinical impact of recovery-period hypoxemia following sedated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Hypoxemia is defined as SpO₂ \<90% lasting ≥10 seconds. Associated respiratory events and potential risk factors will be analyzed without altering routine clinical practice.

Medical Device Clinical Trial Without CE Marking to Evidence Safety and Performance of the INBENTUS VERSATILE Ventilator in Patients Requiring Assisted/Controlled Mechanical Ventilation and Weaning.

Pre-market clinical trial on 81 aldults participants to evidence safety and performance of the non-CE-marked medical device INBENTUS VERSATILE ventilator. The 81 aldult participants are ventilated between 3 and 48 hours with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in assisted/controlled mode and weaning under partial pressure support or volume support, followed by monitoring period until ICU discharge, hospital discharge or 30 days. The study design differentiates between a Validation Cohort (up to 20 participants) for device validation and a Study Cohort (up to 61 participants) for safety and performance confirmation. Serious Adverse Events related to study device and/or its procedure is defined as the primary safety endpoint, whereas technical failure rate is defined as the primary performance endpoint.

Steroid Treatment for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (STAR) Trial

Multicenter, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial comparing the administration of systemic corticosteroids at a dose equivalent to 40 mg of prednisolone per day for 7 days vs no corticosteroid administration among adults hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection and hypoxemia.

Skin Pigment/Pulse Oximeter in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

Recent retrospective studies have demonstrated differences between pulse oximeter values (SpO2) and measured arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) in patients identifying as Black or Hispanic. These retrospective studies have limitations because self-reported race is likely not an accurate metric for level of skin pigmentation and the retrospective nature of these studies may impact the accuracy of simultaneous measures of arterial oxygen saturation and pulse oximeter values. The few prospective studies that have evaluated this issue have utilized color-matching techniques to quantify skin pigmentation, and fewer studies have directly measured skin pigmentation in relation it to pulse oximeter accuracy. The aim of this study is to prospectively measure pulse oximeter accuracy in relation to measured levels of skin pigmentation in the congenital heart disease population.

Efficacy of PIMUN by Reducing Intermittent Hypoxia Events

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the use of PIMUN(medical device) works to reduce the intermittent hypoxemia of 24-34 weeks of birth gestational age babies. . It will also learn about the safety of the use of PIMUN. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does PIMUN lower the time of oxygen saturation under 90%? What medical problems do participants have using PIMUN? Researchers will compare the use of PIMUN during 48 hours to 48 hours of usual treatments (not using PIMUN). Participants will: Use/ or not use of PIMUN for a 48 hours period- randomly assigned. Regional brain oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring at the first day of each 48 hours period. 4-6 hours of polysomnography at the second day of each intervention. Plasma and urine stress oxygen metabolites at the end of each 48-hours intervention.

Health Systems and Policy Contexts of Medical Oxygen

This is a mixed-methods program evaluation from a health systems and policy perspective, involving (i) stakeholder analysis, (ii) policy-implementation gap analysis, and (iii) comparative country case studies. This study aims to understand how national oxygen strategies achieve impact at national, and subnational level, across country contexts, at what cost. The the investigators seek to: 1. Involve policymakers, implementers (including private sector), and medical oxygen users in identifying challenges and understanding potential solutions to medical oxygen access; 2. Generate new data on how medical oxygen systems work and can be improved from multiple perspectives; 3. Draw lessons on medical oxygen that can directly inform national and global practice and policy. This study will be conducted in 6 of the 9 countries participating in the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) led Medical Oxygen Implementation (MOXY) program (Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Liberia, Lao PDR, Cambodia). Key informants will be selected representing government, non-governmental agencies, professional associations, private sector, and civil society. This study will be completed over 4 years, with timelines varying between country study sites.

Extubation Safety Via Microstream EtCO₂ (IPI) Monitoring

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether extubation guided by the Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI)-a composite respiratory score derived from microstream sidestream end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) monitoring-improves safety in adults recovering from general anesthesia in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). It will also assess adverse events associated with IPI-guided extubation. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does IPI-guided extubation reduce the incidence of hypoxemia compared to conventional methods? 2. What adverse events (e.g., cardiovascular complications, prolonged hypoxemia) occur with IPI-guided extubation? Researchers will compare the IPI-guided group (extubated when IPI ≥8) to the conventional group (extubated per standard PACU protocols) to determine if IPI monitoring improves extubation outcomes. Participants will:Undergo elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Be randomly assigned to either: 1. Group T (IPI-guided): Receive continuous EtCO₂/IPI monitoring via an endotracheal sampling line, with extubation triggered when IPI ≥8 after spontaneous respiration resumes. 2. Group C (Conventional): Follow standard PACU extubation protocols without IPI monitoring. Have their respiratory status, adverse events (hypoxemia, cardiovascular reactions), and required interventions recorded post-extubation. Participate in satisfaction surveys (patients and PACU nurses) regarding the extubation process.

Optimizing Care in Critically Ill at UCHealth by Liberalizing the Target O2 in Mechanically-ventilated ICU Patients

A multimodal educational intervention to target an oxygen saturation target range (SpO2 90-96%) will reduce ventilator length of stay and reduce occult hypoxemia by increased awareness and adherence to a designated oxygen saturation target range.

Preoperative ROX Index and Postoperative Hypoxemia in Bariatric Surgery

This prospective observational study evaluates whether the preoperative ROX index can predict early postoperative hypoxemia in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Preoperative ROX measurements, along with ARISCAT and STOP-Bang scores, will be assessed for their association with hypoxemia occurring within the first 12 postoperative hours.

Effect of Different Oxygen Concentrations Before Extubation After General Anesthesia on Hypoxemia After Extubation in Post-anesthesia Care Unit

Before extubation during the anesthesia recovery period, 100% oxygen is routinely inhaled to increase the oxygen reserves, maximizing the time window for anesthesiologists to adjust strategies when they encounter hypoxemia after extubation. However, even inhaling a short period of pure oxygen can cause absorptive atelectasis, and may even impair the effectiveness of intraoperative protective ventilation measures continuing to post-operative period. The purpose of this study is to determine whether 30% oxygen before extubation after abdominal surgery could reduce hypoxemia incidence after extubation during the recovery period or not, compared to 100% oxygen. 590 patients scheduled to abdominal surgeries, will be randomly assigned to receive 30% or 100% oxygen concentration from the end of surgery to extubation after general anesthesia in the post-anesthesia care unit. The incidence of hypoxemia (SpO2 \< 90%) from extubation to leaving the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is the primary outcome.

Oxygen Targets in Acute Heart Failure With Pulmonary Congestion

This investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized, blinded, multi-center, controlled trial will investigate the effect of a restrictive vs. liberal oxygenation-strategy in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure with pulmonary congestion. Patients will be randomized 1:1 in the emergency department to either liberal or restrictive oxygenation after providing informed written consent. 1. Liberal oxygenation group = SpO2 target of 96%. 2. Restrictive oxygenation group = SpO2 target of 90%. The allocation will be concealed through the use of an oxygen-delivery robot, termed O2MATIC. The study will include 122 patients.

SpO2 Accuracy in Children

Evaluation of SpO2 Accuracy in Children with Various Skin Color

Inhaled Treprostinil (Tyvaso Nebulizer) For COPD Patients With Hypoxemia

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether inhaled Treprostinil (Tyvaso) can improve oxygen delivery and blood flow in the lungs in adults (age ≥40) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypoxemia who have less severe reduction in lung blood volume (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide \[DLCO\] ≥45%). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does inhaled Treprostinil increase pulmonary capillary blood volume in ventilated lung regions, as measured by hyperpolarized xenon-129 magnetic resonance imaging (HP129Xe MRI)? 2. Does inhaled Treprostinil improve oxygen delivery (measured as red blood cell \[RBC\] chemical shift) and maintain or only slightly change pulmonary vascular resistance (measured by RBC oscillation amplitude)? 3. Can pre-treatment MRI parameters (RBC transfer and RBC oscillation amplitude) predict who will respond to inhaled Treprostinil? Participants will: * Use the Tyvaso nebulizer (inhaled Treprostinil) 4 times daily for 4 weeks, starting at 3 breaths per session and increasing to a maximum of 6 breaths per session as tolerated. * Undergo HP129Xe MRI before and after treatment to assess regional lung function and oxygen exchange. * Complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6-minute walk tests (6MWT), and echocardiograms at the beginning and end of the study. * Be monitored for adverse events, with a phone check-in midway through and after the treatment period.

Dexmedetomidine vs Propofol in High-Risk ERCP Patients

ERCP requires deep sedation due to pain and discomfort, but propofol-commonly used with opioids-often causes respiratory and cardiovascular complications, especially in elderly or high-risk patients. Dexmedetomidine offers sedation without respiratory depression but may lower blood pressure and heart rate. Current monitoring often relies only on SpO₂, while capnography and the Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI) provide earlier detection of respiratory events but are underused in ERCP studies. This study compares dexmedetomidine and propofol in high-risk ERCP patients, focusing on respiratory and hemodynamic effects, propofol consumption, recovery, and discharge times. The hypothesis is that dexmedetomidine will cause fewer adverse respiratory and hemodynamic effects.

Comparison of Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) With Different Oximeters and Arterial Saturation (SaO2): Oxygap2 Study

The oximeter is used to monitor intensive care patients undergoing oxygen therapy. It indicates pulsed oxygen saturation (SpO2), a reflection of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) which enables detection of hypoxemia and hyperoxia, both deleterious state. Current SpO2 recommendations aim to reduce both risk of hypoxemia and hyperoxia. SpO2 is considered the 5th vital sign. Current recommendations for SpO2 targets do not consider the variability of oximeters used in clinical practice. This variability and lack of specification represent an obstacle to an optimal practice of oxygen therapy. Thus, this study aims to compare the SpO2 values of different oximeters (General Electric-GE, Medtronic, Masimo and Nonin) used in clinical practice with the SaO2 reference value obtained by an arterial gas in order to specify the precision and the systematic biases of the oximeters studied. This data will also make it possible to refine the recommendations concerning optimal oxygenation