Optimizing mechanical ventilation for morbidly obese patients with ARDS

Transpulmonary Pressure - Guided Mechanical Ventilation in Morbidly Obese ARDS Patients: a Feasibility Study.

NA · Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06119516

This study is testing if adjusting breathing machine settings based on pressure measurements can help morbidly obese patients with severe lung problems breathe better than standard methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other)
Locations5 sites (Angers and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06119516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to personalize mechanical ventilator settings for morbidly obese patients suffering from moderate to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). It utilizes esophageal pressure measurements to guide adjustments in ventilator settings, potentially improving patient outcomes by preventing fluid accumulation in the lungs. The study will compare the effectiveness of this personalized approach against standard strategies used in ARDS management. Participants will be monitored using a nasogastric probe to measure esophageal pressure, which serves as an indicator of pleural pressure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with class III morbid obesity and moderate to severe ARDS.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to nasogastric tubes or those on life-sustaining therapy limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved respiratory function and outcomes for morbidly obese patients with ARDS.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using esophageal pressure monitoring is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in optimizing mechanical ventilation strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (aged 18 years or older)
* Class III morbid obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2)
* Moderate or severe ARDS criteria (according to the Berlin definition)
* Less than 72 hours between fulfilling moderate or severe ARDS criteria and inclusion
* Tracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation
* Informed consent (patient, next of kin), with possibility of an emergency procedure with deferred consent
* Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contra-indication to nasogastric tube (uncontrolled coagulopathy, severe thrombocytopenia, nasal trauma, esophageal varices)
* Order to limit life-sustaining therapy
* ExtraCorporal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in use
* Invasive mechanical ventilation \> 96 hours
* Elevated intracranial pressure
* Active air-leak: pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* Patient on state medical aid

Where this trial is running

Angers and 4 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: ARDS, Human, Obesity, Morbid, Obesity, morbid, Mechanical Ventilation, Transpulmonary pressure

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.