Using a decision support tool to improve ventilation in children with ARDS

A Computerized Decision Support Tool for Ventilator Management in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pilot Study

NA · Children's Hospital Los Angeles · NCT04068012

This study is trying out a new tool to help doctors manage breathing machines better for kids with serious lung problems to see if it can improve their recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Los Angeles (other)
Locations8 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04068012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to implement a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool to standardize ventilator management for infants and children suffering from Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS). The CDS tool, developed at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, will be deployed across multiple Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) to enhance adherence to evidence-based practices in mechanical ventilation. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and compliance with the CDS recommendations, targeting improvements in patient outcomes such as reduced time on mechanical ventilation and minimized ventilator-induced injuries. Data will be captured automatically to ensure timely and relevant information is provided to clinicians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children over 1 month and under 18 years of age who are on mechanical ventilation for PARDS and meet specific oxygenation criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that prevent conventional weaning methods or those with severe respiratory complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and reduced complications for children with PARDS requiring mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in adult populations using similar decision support tools, indicating potential for positive outcomes in pediatric settings as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children \> 1 month of age and \>44 weeks gestation and ≤ 18 years of age AND
* Supported on mechanical ventilation with pulmonary parenchymal disease (i.e. Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS)) with Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) ≥ 5) or Oxygenation Index (OI) ≥ 4 AND
* Who are within 72 hours of initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation AND
* Who are anticipated to require \>72 hours mechanical ventilation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Conditions on enrollment that preclude conventional methods of weaning (i.e., status asthmaticus, severe lower airway obstruction, bronchiolitis, critical airway, Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS), intubation for Upper Airway Obstruction, Do Not Resuscitate orders, severe chronic respiratory failure, spinal cord injury above lumbar region, cyanotic heart disease (unrepaired or palliated)) OR
* Conditions precluding the use of permissive hypercapnia or hypoxemia (i.e. intracranial hypertension, severe pulmonary hypertension)
* Primary Attending physician refuses to enroll the patient

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 7 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: Ventilation Therapy, Complications, Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury, Ards

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.