Using transpulmonary pressure to help obese patients wean off mechanical ventilation

Transpulmonary Pressure Guided Weaning From Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Obese Patients With Respiratory Failure

Not applicable Interventional University of Mississippi Medical Center · NCT05530434

This study tests if using a special pressure measurement can help obese patients come off mechanical ventilation faster and with fewer problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jackson, Mississippi)
Trial IDNCT05530434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether measuring transpulmonary pressure can improve the weaning process from mechanical ventilation in obese patients suffering from respiratory failure. By adjusting positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) based on transpulmonary pressure, the research aims to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and associated complications. Patients will be divided into two groups: one receiving transpulmonary pressure-guided PEEP adjustments and the other receiving standard PEEP management. Daily assessments will be conducted to determine each patient's readiness for spontaneous breathing trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are obese patients classified as class II or higher with a BMI of 35.0 kg/m2 or more, who are on invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure for less than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to esophageal balloon catheter placement, known pleural disease, or those requiring chronic mechanical ventilation prior to enrollment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the time obese patients spend on mechanical ventilation, lowering their risk of complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using transpulmonary pressure is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving ventilation strategies in critically ill patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* on invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure for \< 48 hours
* obese class II or higher (BMI greater than or equal to 35.0 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindications to esophageal balloon catheter placement including esophageal, nasofacial, gastrointestinal abnormalities and platelets \<10,000/microliter
* known pleural disease such as persistent pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or pleurodesis
* neuromuscular disease
* requires chronic mechanical ventilation prior to enrollment
* severe neurologic injury
* known difficult airway
* life expectance is less than 48 hours

Where this trial is running

Jackson, Mississippi

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 Respiratory FailureObesityTranspulmonary pressureRespiratory failureInvasive mechanical ventilation
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.