Evaluating the impact of high PEEP on breathing effort in ARDS patients

Prediction of Inspiratory Effort Response to High PEEP in Patients Recovering From ARDS

Observational Sanatorio Anchorena San Martin · NCT04524091

This study is testing if using high levels of breathing support can make it easier for patients recovering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome to breathe on their own.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSanatorio Anchorena San Martin Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Martín, Buenos Aires)
Trial IDNCT04524091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how high Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) affects inspiratory effort in patients recovering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). It focuses on patients who are transitioning from passive ventilation to partial ventilatory support and aims to identify those who will benefit from high PEEP application. The study will measure changes in transpulmonary pressure and esophageal pressure swings to determine the effectiveness of high PEEP in reducing inspiratory effort. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes during recovery from ARDS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation who meet the Berlin criteria for ARDS.

Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unresolved pneumothorax, or altered central respiratory drive may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved ventilation strategies that reduce lung injury and enhance recovery in ARDS patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the application of high PEEP has been explored in other contexts, this specific approach to assess inspiratory effort response in ARDS patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Need of invasive mechanical ventilation
* Patients who had fulfill ARDS criteria based on Berlin definition during any time of invasive mechanical ventilation.
* Patient ventilated in pressure support ventilation.
* Time of invasive ventilation expected to be longer than 24 hs after the day of enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuromuscular diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Duchenne Erb)
* previous diagnosis of chronic obstructed pulmonary disease
* not resolved pneumothorax
* bronchopleural fistula
* suspicion of central respiratory drive alteration (e.g., benzodiazepines intoxication).

Where this trial is running

San Martín, Buenos Aires

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 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
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.