Optimizing lung pressure in children with respiratory distress using advanced imaging

Assessing Optimal Positive End-expiratory Pressure (PEEP) Using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) During a PEEP Titration Protocol in Mechanically Ventilated Children with Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS)

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Los Angeles · NCT06684119

This study is testing a new way to adjust breathing support in children with severe lung problems to see if it helps them breathe better than the usual methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06684119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to optimize positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in pediatric patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS) by utilizing Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). The study will compare the optimal PEEP identified through EIT metrics with the current guideline recommendations. Participants will undergo EIT monitoring while subjected to a PEEP titration protocol to assess differences in physiological metrics. The goal is to find a balance between lung overdistention and collapse for improved respiratory outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 18 years old who are on invasive mechanical ventilation and meet the criteria for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with contraindications to EIT, hemodynamic instability, or specific cardiac conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective ventilation strategies for children with respiratory distress, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EIT in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in optimizing ventilation strategies in adult populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any person who is less than 18 years of age
* is on invasive mechanical ventilation
* is not spontaneously breathing
* meets PARDS criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to the use of EIT
* Hemodynamic instability
* Contraindications to hypercapnia
* patients with uncuffed endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes
* diagnosis of pneumothorax or bronchopleural fistula
* non-conventional ventilation
* any patient on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support
* less than 1 week post-operatively from cardiac surgery
* the following cardiac diagnoses: Glenn or Fontan physiology, significant right to left shunt
* Corrected Gestational Age \< 37 weeks
* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndromepositive end-expiratory pressureElectrical Impedance Tomographyrespiratory distress
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.