Comparing two ventilation modes to reduce diaphragm atrophy in intubated patients

A Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing the Effects of Volume Support and Assist Control Mode Ventilation on Ventilator-Free Days and Diaphragmatic Atrophy

Not applicable Interventional University of Chicago · NCT03901924

This study is testing if using a different breathing support method can help intubated patients avoid diaphragm problems and spend less time on a ventilator.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment468 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03901924 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of volume support mode versus assist control mode ventilation on ventilator-free days and diaphragmatic atrophy in patients who have been intubated for less than 36 hours. It focuses on the complications associated with ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD), which can lead to prolonged ICU stays and increased reintubation rates. The hypothesis is that early initiation of support mode ventilation will result in fewer complications and less diaphragmatic atrophy compared to controlled mode ventilation. The study will involve a randomized trial design to compare these two ventilation strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have been intubated and mechanically ventilated for less than 36 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diaphragmatic paralysis, neuromuscular disease, or those expected to be liberated from the ventilator in less than 24 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery outcomes for patients requiring mechanical ventilation by reducing diaphragmatic atrophy.

How similar studies have performed: Observational studies suggest that different ventilation modes can impact diaphragmatic atrophy, but this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

subjects \> 18 years of age that have been intubated and mechanically ventilated for \< 36 hours at the time of screening will be eligible for enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. pregnancy
2. cardiopulmonary arrest
3. history of diaphragmatic paralysis or neuromuscular disease
4. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma exacerbation with evidence of auto-PEEPing requiring intubation
5. neuromuscular blockade
6. expectation to be liberated from ventilator in \< 24 hours
7. history of mechanical ventilation in the last 6 months
8. presence of tracheostomy
9. high cervical spine injury

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mechanical Ventilation ComplicationDiaphragm AtrophyVentilator Induced Diaphragm DysfunctionMechanical VentilationVolume Support ModeAssist Control ModeDiaphragm Thickening FractionIntubation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.