Clinical Research Directory

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.

Prone Positioning and Thoracoabdominal 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.

Controlled Versus Standard Oxygen Therapy in ICU Patients With Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations frequently require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Oxygen therapy is an essential component of treatment; however, excessive oxygen administration may aggravate hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Current international guidelines recommend titrated oxygen therapy targeting an oxygen saturation of 88-92% in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, but evidence supporting this strategy in critically ill ICU patients remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare a controlled oxygen therapy strategy (target oxygen saturation 88-92%) with standard oxygen therapy (oxygen saturation \>94%) in ICU patients admitted with acute exacerbation of COPD. The primary objective is to determine whether controlled oxygen therapy reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive). Secondary objectives include assessing the 28-day mortality, ICU length of stay, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and adverse events related to hyperoxia.

Mechanical Power and Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate the relationship between mechanical power during the first 72 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation and 28-day mortality in mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Zagazig University Hospitals.

pEEG Monitoring Effect on Delirium, Ventilator Days, and PICS

The goal of this multi-site observational study is to compare delirium rates, days on mechanical ventilation, and Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) rates in adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. The study will examine patients whose sedation and analgesia infusion titration is managed with both Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) and Processed Electroencephalography (pEEG) monitoring vs patients who receive RASS monitoring alone. The main questions are: * Compared to RASS monitoring method alone, does the use of 4 channel pEEG monitor in conjunction with RASS to guide the management of sedation and analgesic in patients who are ventilated reduce the average number of delirium days, measured by Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC)? * To determine when compared to RASS monitoring alone if the use of 4 channel pEEG monitor in conjunction with RASS to guide the management of Intravenous (IV) sedation and analgesia in ventilated patients reduces the days a patient spends on a mechanical ventilator when compared to RASS only monitoring from retrospective data. * To determine when compared to RASS monitoring method alone, does the use of 4 channel pEEG monitor in conjunction with RASS experience lower doses of sedation and analgesia infusions? * To determine when compared to RASS monitoring method alone, does the use of 4 channel pEEG monitor in conjunction with RASS experience less incidence and duration of PICS?

Diaphragm Atrophy and Dysfunction in Mechanical Ventilation

The gold standard of twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure recordings would ultimately clear the fog around the rate of development of Ventilator induced Diaphragm Dysfunction (VIDD) in mechanically ventilated patients over time. Through measurements made even after mechanical ventilation (MV) it could be clarified to what extent patients recover from VIDD. Paired with cortical stimulation and electromyographic recordings of diaphragm muscle potentials, it could be explored to what extent decreased diaphragm excitability due to long term MV contributes to VIDD on the level of motor cortex. Against that background the present project aims at determining the rate of decline in diaphragm function, strength and control in patients undergoing MV (including measurements after extubation).

Rehabilitation Program for Weaning From Mechanical Ventilator

Statement of the problem: Are there any differences between comprehensive rehabilitation program consisted of (peripheral muscle training and functional training) combined with inspiratory muscle training and traditional chest physical therapy consisted of (percussion, mechanical vibration, positioning and modified postural drainage) combined with inspiratory muscle training on weaning from mechanical ventilation as a primary outcome, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength and functional status in difficult and prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation as secondary outcomes? Purpose of the study: The aim of the present study will be to compare between the effect of comprehensive rehabilitation program combined with inspiratory muscle training and traditional chest physical therapy combined with inspiratory muscle training on weaning from mechanical ventilation as a primary outcome, inspiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, functional status as secondary outcomes.

Volume Support/Assist Control Mode Ventilation and Diaphragmatic Atrophy

The objective of the study is to determine how controlled mode ventilation and support mode ventilation impact ventilator-free days and diaphragmatic atrophy.

ClusterVAP: Multicentre Proteomic Endotyping of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious infection in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. Current diagnostic methods are imprecise, leading to unnecessary antibiotic use and delayed treatment. The ClusterVAP study aims to identify biologically and clinically distinct subgroups of patients with suspected VAP by analyzing proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid using advanced proteomic techniques. This multicentre observational study will enroll approximately 400 adult patients from intensive care units in Sweden, France, Portugal, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. BAL or mini-BAL samples collected for clinical reasons will be analyzed to define "pneumoclusters" and explore their association with patient outcomes. The study will also identify candidate biomarkers that could support future diagnostic tools. No experimental treatments are given; all patients receive standard care. Results may improve diagnostic accuracy and guide personalized treatment strategies for critically ill patients.

BURN-ASV Trial: Adaptive Support Ventilation in Severe Burn Injury

Severe burn injury frequently requires prolonged mechanical ventilation because of inhalation injury, respiratory failure, systemic inflammation, and repeated surgical procedures. Patients with extensive burns are at high risk of ventilator-associated complications, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and death. Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) is an automated mode of mechanical ventilation that continuously adjusts breathing support according to the patient's respiratory needs and lung mechanics. Although ASV has shown potential benefits in general ICU populations, its effectiveness in patients with severe burn injuries has not been adequately studied. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare Adaptive Support Ventilation with conventional lung-protective mechanical ventilation in critically ill adult burn patients, including those with inhalation injury, drone-related burns, and thermobaric blast burns. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ASV or conventional ventilation. The study will evaluate whether ASV improves ventilator-free days, reduces duration of mechanical ventilation, decreases ventilator-associated complications, and improves clinical outcomes. The results of this study may help identify optimal ventilation strategies for patients with severe burn injuries and improve critical care management in both civilian and military burn centers.

Diaphragm Injury and Dysfunction During Mechanical Ventilation

This study is designed to evaluate the relationship between diaphragm activity during mechanical ventilation and the development of ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). Diaphragm structure, activity, and function are monitored longitudinally over the first 7 days of mechanical ventilation.

The Validity of Maximal Diaphragm Thickening Fraction to Measure Diaphragm Function in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

This study is designed to determine whether maximal diaphragm thickening fraction measured by ultrasound during volitional maximal inspiratory efforts is a valid measure of diaphragm function in mechanically ventilated patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Remimazolam Besylate for Sedation in Post-Non-Cardiac Surgery Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

A multi-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, no-inferiority clinical trial conducted across 5 tertiary medical centers in China. The objective of this RCT is to evaluate the sedative efficacy and safety profile of remimazolam besylate compared with dexmedetomidine in patients requiring mechanical ventilation following non-cardiac surgery. The study hypothesized that remimazolam besylate is non-inferior to dexmedetomidine regarding the primary efficacy outcome.

Silent Aspiration Following Extubation in the ICU

Post-extubation dysphagia is common in critically ill patients and may lead to silent aspiration, which often remains undetected because patients do not exhibit overt clinical signs such as coughing or choking. Current bedside nursing swallow screening may fail to identify silent aspiration in patients recovering from prolonged mechanical ventilation. The goal of this observational study is to learn about the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of silent aspiration in critically ill adult patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation and are extubated in the ICU. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How often does silent aspiration occur in ICU patients intubated for 5 days or longer after extubation? * Can silent aspiration be present despite passing the routine bedside nursing swallow screen? * What clinical factors are associated with silent aspiration? * Is silent aspiration associated with worse clinical outcomes such as aspiration pneumonia, reintubation, prolonged ICU stay, ventilator-free days, or mortality? Participants who have been mechanically ventilated for 5 days or more will undergo routine bedside swallow screening followed by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), considered the gold-standard diagnostic tool for detecting silent aspiration, within 72 hours after extubation. Researchers will compare bedside nursing swallow screening results with FEES findings to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of bedside screening in detecting silent aspiration. Clinical data, swallowing assessment findings, and patient outcomes will also be collected and analyzed.

Targeting prEssure-Muscle-index to Avoid Ventilatory Over-Assistance During Pressure Support Ventilation

The TEMA study (Targeting prEssure-Muscle-index to avoid ventilatory over-Assistance during pressure support ventilation) is a prospective, interventional crossover trial investigating the relationship between pressure support (PS) and tidal volume (Vt) in ICU patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) receiving pressure support ventilation (PSV). The study aims to assess whether the Pressure-Muscle Index (PMI)-a marker derived from the difference between plateau and peak inspiratory pressure-can help identify the optimal level of ventilatory assistance, preventing over-assistance and its associated complications such as diaphragm atrophy and patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI). By exploring the sigmoidal relationship between PS and Vt, the study seeks to define a physiological threshold (PMI=0) that may serve as a personalized target for PSV titration.

Volatile Sedation for Patients With the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This study will investigate how different types of routine sedation may affect patient's breathing whilst on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There are different approaches to sedation which may have advantages and disadvantages. During the study patients will receive both intravenous and inhaled volatile sedation (similar to anaesthetic 'gases' used for general anaesthesia) and the drive to breath, breathing efforts and function of the lung will be assessed.

Systolic Function and Weaning-induced Pulmonary Edema (SystoWean Study)

The purpose of this study is to determine if the left and right ventricular systolic function is involved in the development of weaning failure related to weaning-induced pulmonary edema.

Effects of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation With Optimized Settings on Wet Mucus Volume During Invasive Ventilation

Retention of airway secretions is a frequent complication in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (MV).This complication is often due to excessive secretion production and ineffective secretion clearance. Mechanical insufflator-exsufflator (MI-E) is a respiratory physiotherapy technique that aims to assist or simulate a normal cough by using an electro-mechanical dedicated device. A positive airway pressure is delivered to the airways, in order to hyperinflate the lungs, followed by a rapid change to negative pressure that promotes a rapid exhalation and enhances peak expiratory flows. However, there is no consensus on the best MI-E settings to facilitate secretion clearance in these patients. Inspiratory and expiratory pressures of ±40 cmH2O and inspiratory-expiratory time of 3 and 2 seconds, respectively, are often used as a standard for MI-E programming in the daily routine practice, but recent laboratory studies have shown significant benefits when MI-E setting is optimized to promote an expiratory flow bias. The investigators designed this study to compare the effects of MI-E with an optimized setting versus a standard setting on the wet volume of suctioned sputum in intubated critically ill patients on invasive MV for more than 48 hours.

Effect of End-inspiratory Airway Pressure Measurements on the Risk of VILI in Ventilated Patients

Mechanical ventilation may be associated with ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Several respiratory variables have been employed to estimate the risk of VILI, such as tidal volumes, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and mechanical power. This dissipation of energy during ventilation can contribute to VILI through two mechanisms, stress relaxation and pendelluft, which can be estimated at the bedside by applying an end-inspiratory pause and evaluating the slow decrease in airway pressure going from the pressure corresponding to zero flow (called pressure P1) and the final pressure at the end of the pause (called plateau pressure P2). The choice of measuring the end-inspiratory airway pressure (PawEND-INSP) at a fixed, although relatively early, timepoint, i.e., after 0.5 second from the beginning of the pause, as prescribed by the indications of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Network, while assessing the risk of VILI associated with the elastic pressure of the respiratory system, may not reflect the harmful potential associated with the viscoelastic properties of the respiratory system. It is still unclear whether an PawEND-INSP measured at the exact moment of zero flow (P1) is more reliable in the calculation of those variables, such as ΔP and MP, associated with the outcomes of patients with and without ARDS, as compared to the pressure measured at the end of the end-inspiratory pause (plateau pressure P2). This multicenter prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether the use of P1, as compared to P2, affects the calculation of ΔP and MP. The secondary objectives are: 1) verify whether in patients with a lung parenchyma characterized by greater parenchymal heterogeneity, as assessed by EIT, P1-P2 decay is greater than in patients with greater parenchymal homogeneity; 2) evaluate whether patients with both ΔP values calculated using P1 and P2 \<15 cmH2O (or both MP values calculated using P1 and P2 \<17 J/min) develop shorter duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, shorter ICU and hospital length of stay and lower ICU and hospital mortality, as compared to patients with only ΔP calculated with P1 ≥ 15 cmH2O (or only MP calculated with P1 ≥ 17 J/min) and patients with both ΔP values calculated using P1 and P2 ≥ 15 cmH2O (or both MP values calculated using P1 and P2 ≥ 17 J/min).

Efficacy of A Novel RinSe Device to Reduce Oral Bacteria in Intubated IntEnsive CaRe Patients: a Pilot Study

We propose a randomized pilot/feasibility study comparing oral care treatment as usual (TAU) with Swiftsure SwishKit plus oral care TAU on the presence and magnitude of bacterial load in the oropharyngeal space in orotracheally intubated patients. The trial will be conducted with IRB approval and written consent from patient or its legal representative.

Ventilator-based Inspiratory Muscle Training for Patients With Respiratory Failure

This study will be conducted to compare the effectiveness of progressive inspiratory flow trigger sensitivity rising versus stepwise pressure support reduction as ventilator-based inspiratory muscle training methods on weaning and extubation success in mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure.

Nebulized Furosemide, Heparin, Hypertonic Saline in Mechanically Ventilated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Adult Patients

There are no specific drugs or therapies available to directly treat/prevent ARDS. Mechanical ventilation with an aim to minimize Ventilator Induced Lung Injury (VILI) and management of refractory hypoxemia are the keystones in supportive management of ARDS.

The Effects of VC Versus PC Ventilation on Cerebral and Respiratory Parameters in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of different mechanical ventilation modes in patients with Trendelenburg position and CO2 insufflation affects respiration and cerebral oxygenation due to postoperative atelectasis, and was to determine whether there was any hemodynamic effect.

EIT-guided PEEP Titration Versus Standard Ventilation in Bariatric Surgery

This study is a prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery will be selected and randomly assigned to either the EIT-guided individualized PEEP group (Group P-eit) or the control group (Group P-8). Group P will be ventilated using the PEEP value determined by EIT, while Group C will be ventilated with a fixed PEEP value of 8 cmH2O.The primary outcome is the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) within 72 hours after surgery.