Clinical Research Directory

A Clinical Trial of Early Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (EVENT ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes weakness of the muscles of the body. The disease can eventually lead to severe breathing problems, which is the most common cause of death from ALS. The treatment for breathing is non-invasive ventilation (NIV). It is a machine that helps a person breathe by pushing air in and out of their lungs through a mask worn over the face. Research has shown that NIV can improve the quality of life and survival of someone with ALS. Unfortunately, NIV is not equally beneficial for everyone. The investigators do not yet know the best time or method for starting NIV in ALS. Europe and Canada allow starting NIV much earlier in ALS than the United States. Current recommendations for starting NIV are based on the opinion of experts rather than large research studies. Medical insurance companies will not cover NIV until significant breathing weakness occurs. After NIV is started, there is no evidence-based guidance on the best way to adjust NIV to benefit patients as much as possible. Some patients have difficulty tolerating NIV, but it is not clear how to identify these individuals ahead of time. The investigators have created a new prediction tool that can identify patients at high risk of breathing problems within the next 6 months. This may help the study team identify who is more likely to benefit from starting NIV early. The investigators have published a paper that shows that NIV helps people with ALS live longer. This paper also showed that patients get more benefit with use NIV for at least 4 hours per day. The investigators published another paper that measured a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2), which goes high if someone's breathing is weakened. This paper showed that patients with ALS may live longer when CO2 levels are lowered using NIV. The investigators also have data suggesting that certain characteristics may predict who is less likely to use NIV at least 4 hours per day. In this study, the investigators will collect pilot data on starting early NIV in individuals with ALS who do not yet meet insurance criteria for covering NIV. The research team will first use their previously published prediction tool to identify patient risk. Then, subjects would be randomized to start early NIV or to usual care. The usual care group would eventually start NIV as would occur if the participants were not in the study. The purpose of this study is to collect data to help the investigators plan a larger randomized clinical trial. This study has 4 objectives. First, the project aims to identify individuals who would benefit from earlier NIV. The research team will use the original prediction tool to identify risk of severe breathing problems within the next 6 months. Second, the project aims to show that it is feasible to start NIV early. Third, the project aims to gather data on the effect of randomization on symptoms, CO2 levels, and outcomes. Fourth, the project aims to identify traits that may make someone less likely to use NIV.

Registry for Automated Mechanical VEntilation in Adults

The aim of the here proposed study is to assess safety, performance and provide real world evidence (RWE) of the Hamilton Medical AG automated mechanical ventilation software packages in consecutive critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Comparison of Diaphragm Ultrasound and RSBI for Predicting Weaning Success in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the predictive value of diaphragmatic ultrasound compared to the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) in determining weaning success among mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU for more than 48 hours. The main question it aims to answer is: Which is more effective in predicting weaning success: diaphragmatic ultrasound (including Diaphragmatic Excursion \[DE\] and Diaphragm Thickening Fraction \[DTF\]) or RSBI, in patients ventilated \>48 hours in the ICU of Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta? Participants will be adult ICU patients who are undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation after more than 48 hours. Before extubation, each participant will undergo diaphragmatic ultrasound assessment to measure DE and DTF, along with RSBI measurement. The predictive accuracy of these parameters will be evaluated by comparing them with the actual weaning outcomes. Secondary objectives include: 1. Assessing whether diaphragmatic ultrasound is associated with a higher weaning success rate than RSBI. 2. Evaluating the correlation between DE values and successful weaning. 3. Determining the optimal cutoff values of DE and DTF as predictors of weaning failure. 4. Analyzing the incidence of weaning failure in patients who do not meet optimal diaphragm function criteria. 5. Identifying DE and DTF thresholds that may help reduce the risk of reintubation.

The Efficient PICU Fluid Care Evaluation

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate and prevent fluid overload in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What is the effect of a restrictive fluid strategy on cumulative fluid balance on day three of invasive mechanical ventilation? 2. What is the feasibility (e.g. adherence to target intake, fluid balance and nutritional goals) of maintaining a neutral fluid balance? Researchers will compare the effects of strict adherence to the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) guidelines regarding fluid balance (i.e. restricting fluid intake and preventing a positive fluid balance) to current local practice. From the start to the end of invasive mechanical ventilation participants will be treated according to local practice or with the strict aim to prevent a positive fluid balance. Aiming to prevent a positive fluid balance, if this is possible given the clinical context, is at descretion of the attending physician. Minimal caloric intake requirements must be met. Participants are studied for ten days during invasive mechanical ventilation or until discharge from the intensive care