Clinical Research Directory

Exploring Novel Biomarkers of ICU-AW in Mechanically Ventilated Children at the Molecular Level

Acquired weakness (AW) is a common complication among patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is a systemic muscle weakness and dysfunction associated with critical illness, often related to prolonged bed rest, mechanical ventilation, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The primary clinical manifestations include weakness in limb and respiratory muscles, particularly diminished strength in distal muscle groups. As a result, the weaning process from mechanical ventilation becomes more challenging, leading to prolonged ICU stays, increased mortality, and a higher risk of long-term functional disability. The significance of AW lies not only in its substantial impediment to short-term recovery but also in its role as a core component of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), profoundly affecting patients' long-term outcomes. Mechanical ventilation is a vital life-support technology for critically ill children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). However, complications associated with mechanical ventilation have garnered increasing attention, particularly Acquired Weakness in mechanically ventilated children. With improving survival rates in the PICU, a growing number of pediatric critical illness survivors are at risk of developing AW. Despite rapid advancements in pediatric critical care medicine in China, there is currently a lack of an early warning system for AW in children receiving mechanical ventilation, resulting in significantly delayed clinical interventions. This project aims to identify novel biomarkers for pediatric ICU-AW and develop an early warning model. It holds promise for transitioning from the traditional post-symptomatic diagnostic approach to subclinical prediction of AW in children, which is of great clinical value for reducing disability rates and optimizing critical care rehabilitation strategies.

Development of an Early Warning Model for Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Mechanically Ventilated Children

Acquired weakness (AW) is a common complication among patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is a systemic muscle weakness and dysfunction associated with critical illness, often related to prolonged bed rest, mechanical ventilation, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The primary clinical manifestations include weakness in limb and respiratory muscles, particularly diminished strength in distal muscle groups. As a result, the weaning process from mechanical ventilation becomes more challenging, leading to prolonged ICU stays, increased mortality, and a higher risk of long-term functional disability. The significance of AW lies not only in its substantial impediment to short-term recovery but also in its role as a core component of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), profoundly affecting patients' long-term outcomes. Mechanical ventilation is a vital life-support technology for critically ill children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). However, complications associated with mechanical ventilation have garnered increasing attention, particularly Acquired Weakness in mechanically ventilated children. With improving survival rates in the PICU, a growing number of pediatric critical illness survivors are at risk of developing AW. Despite rapid advancements in pediatric critical care medicine in China, there is currently a lack of an early warning system for AW in children receiving mechanical ventilation, resulting in significantly delayed clinical interventions. This project aims to identify novel biomarkers for pediatric ICU-AW and develop an early warning model. It holds promise for transitioning from the traditional post-symptomatic diagnostic approach to subclinical prediction of AW in children, which is of great clinical value for reducing disability rates and optimizing critical care rehabilitation strategies.

Improved Muscle Metabolism by Combination of Muscle Activation and Protein Substitution ( IMEMPRO )

Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW) describes muscle weakness that occurs in around 40% of patients during an intensive care stay. The morbidity and mortality of these patients is significantly increased over a 5-year period. The aim of this study is to investigate the combined effect of early enteral high-protein nutrition and early muscle activation on muscle atrophy in critically ill patients. The study will include 40 patients (20 intervention, 20 observation) with requirement for enteral nutrition at time of inclusion. In the intervention group the maximum possible level of mobilization is carried out and muscles are activated twice a day using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The nutrition plan of the intervention group is based on the applicable guidelines for intensive care medicine with exception of increased protein intake. The control group receives therapy without deviating from the standard according of the DGEM guideline. The study aims to show that the decrease in muscle mass is significantly less than in the control group (primary hypothesis) via ultrasound of the rectus femoris muscle and in case of given consent muscle biopsy. As secondary hypothesis it is examined whether the combination of early high protein intake and muscle activation improves muscle strength and endurance.

Behavioral Economic & Staffing Strategies in the ICU

The overarching goal of this study is to support the "real world" assessment of strategies used to foster adoption of several highly efficacious evidence-based practices in healthcare systems that provide care to critically ill adults with known health disparities. Investigators will specifically evaluate two discrete strategies grounded in behavioral economic and implementation science theory (i.e., real-time audit and feedback and registered nurse implementation facilitation) to increase adoption of the ABCDEF bundle in critically ill adults.

Effect of the "Sitting Out of Bed in an Arm-chair Position" in ICU on Functional Recovery Among Ventilated Patients

Chair positioning is one of a series of early mobilization techniques. At present, this technique, which involves moving a patient out of the resuscitation bed, can be performed passively or actively. It does not constitute a rehabilitative act as such, but it is considered in common paradigms as a technique to improve "the patient's breathing and strength". However, recommendations issued in 2013 by the Society of intensive care physiotherapy and the society "Société de réanimation de langue française (SRLF)", reveal that this chair position cannot be recommended with a high grade. The aim of the investigators is therefore to break down this early mobilization process in intensive care, to find out whether the armchair is an indispensable tool for improving functional and muscular processes. The research hypothesis is therefore as follows: "Early armchairing of the resuscitation patient, improves functional recovery compared to a conservative positioning strategy (sitting in bed)."

ICU Combined Assessment of Cardio-Respiratory Exercise

This study aims to investigate how sepsis and critical illness can impair the cardiovascular system and microcirculation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, which can lead to long-lasting muscle weakness/dysfunction or ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) and exercise limitations.

Muscle Recovery After Critical Illness

The overarching goal of the proposed study is to determine the trajectories of physical recovery and cellular markers involved with the underlying failure to recover muscle after critical illness, while exploring which characteristics are associated with sustained physical disability. This proposal will examine muscle pathophysiology carefully aligned with physical function outcomes in order to longitudinally assess the recovery, or failed recovery, of muscle function in participants after critical illness: 1. to examine the recovery of muscle and physical function in ICU survivors through longitudinal assessments 2. to investigate the underlying cellular markers and mechanisms of muscle recovery in ICU survivors 3. to determine which cellular markers contribute to physical disability in ICU survivors up to 1 year after hospital admission

Predictive Validity of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) for Regaining Autonomy Three Months After ICU Discharge

This single-center observational study aims to explore the relationship between the CPAx score (Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool), measured at ICU discharge, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance performed 3 months after discharge. The study targets patients who experienced prolonged mechanical ventilation and were admitted to the ICU at CHI Elbeuf-Louviers-Val-de-Reuil. Eligible participants must show signs of malnutrition, muscular weakness, or post-traumatic stress symptoms. Data collection includes the CPAx score, 6MWT distance, MRC score, and relevant clinical and demographic information. The primary objective is to determine whether the CPAx score can predict long-term functional recovery and guide post-ICU rehabilitation strategies. Participants will be evaluated during routine follow-up in the day hospital. This non-interventional study poses minimal risk to participants.

ICU-Recover Box 2.0, Smart Technology for Home Monitoring of ICU Patients

Smart technology could improve quality of care in patients who have been admitted to the ICU and have been discharged from ICU and hospital, by early diagnosis of complications and early (ambulatory) treatment. With the ICU-Recover Box and its smart technology the investigators see new opportunities to improve patient health and to recognize early if escalation of medical care is needed. The primary objective of the pilot study is to assess the feasibility of the use of smart technology by persons that have been discharged from the ICU in the twelve months following ICU discharge.

Optimised Nutritional Therapy and Early Physiotherapy in Long Term ICU Patients (NutriPhyT Trial)

Due to medical advances and quality of care, mortality in adult intensive care units (ICUs) has decreased significantly in recent years, leading to a significant increase in the number of patients with high rehabilitation needs on discharge from the ICU. A specific management by a multidisciplinary team has been set up since 2017 at the Geneva-ICU for long-stay patients (hospitalised ≥ 7 days). This study aim to assess whether an optimization of the nutritional therapy coupled with an early mobility during and after the ICU stay allows an improvement in the muscle function at hospital discharge compared to patients receiving the standard care.

Effect of Protein, Mobility Therapy and Electric Stimulation on Recovery in Older ICU Survivors

Older ICU survivors with ICU acquired weakness (ICUAW) are malnourished, sarcopenic, and functionally debilitated as a consequence of the high burden of comorbidities common in the elderly. To address the sequalae of critical illnesses, the investigators will perform a trial incorporating an intervention that combines mobility-based physical rehabilitation (MRP), high protein supplementation (HPRO), and neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES). The investigators will then assess both clinical and functional outcomes and determine the relationship of disability with systemic inflammation.

REmotely Monitored, Mobile Health Supported Multidomain Rehabilitation Program With High Intensity Interval Training for COVID-19

Multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial providing mobile health supported physical rehabilitation to 120 patients who have been critically ill with COVID-19 and who complete at least one exercise session.

TESTO-TRIAL: Use of Testosterone in Critically Ill Patients

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the use of the anabolic agent testosterone cypionate in critically ill patients, compared to placebo, increases the number of ventilator-free days

Hand and Arm Rehabilitation Using VR

Patients admitted to the ICU due to critical illness often experience physical, mental, cognitive, or social issues. Research indicates that inadequate physical recovery is associated with lower handgrip strength, and hand function in ICU patients is lower compared to healthy individuals. To address this, a Virtual Reality (VR) exergame was developed to aid rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the effect of a 4-week VR-exergame intervention on handgrip strength, hand and arm functionality, balance, mobility, and support needs in ICU patients staying for 48 hours or longer. It is a multicenter mixed-methods randomized controlled trial involving adult ICU patients. The intervention involves a 4-week VR-exergame program. Main study parameters include handgrip strength, hand and arm functionality, range of motion, balance, mobility, and support needs. The burden and risks associated with participation are minimal, as VR-based exercises are deemed safe and voluntary. Overall, the study aims to assess the effect of incorporating VR-based rehabilitation into standard care for ICU patients.

Prone Positioning and Abdominal Binding on Lung and Muscle Protection in ARDS Patients During Spontaneous Breathing

Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness are two consequences of prolonged mechanical ventilation and critical illness in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Both complicate the process of withdrawing mechanical ventilation, increase hospital mortality and cause chronic disability in survivors. During transition from controlled to spontaneous breathing, these complications of critical illness favor an abnormal respiratory pattern and recruit accessory respiratory muscles which may promote additional lung and muscle injury. The type of ventilatory support and positioning may affect the muscle dysfunction and patient-self-inflicted lung injury at spontaneous breathing onset. In that regard, ARDS patients with ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and ICU-acquired weakness who are transitioning from controlled to partial ventilatory support probably present an abnormal respiratory pattern which exacerbates lung and muscle injury. Physiological-oriented ventilatory approaches based on prone positioning or semi recumbent positioning with abdominal binding at spontaneous breathing onset, could decrease lung and muscle injury by favoring a better neuromuscular efficiency, and preventing intense inspiratory efforts and high transpulmonary driving pressures, as well as high-magnitude pendelluft. In the current project, in addition to perform a multimodal description of the severity of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and ICU-acquired weakness in prolonged mechanically ventilated ARDS patients, prone positioning and supine plus thoracoabdominal binding at spontaneous breathing onset will be evaluated.