Studying Brain and Lung Interactions in Adults With Acute Respiratory Failure Using High-Flow Nasal Oxygen

What this Trial Is About

Acute hypoxemic de novo respiratory failure AHRF is a common reason for admission to intensive care units, often caused by community-acquired pneumonia. This condition sometimes requires high-flow nasal cannula HFNC oxygen therapy to avoid intubation, but about 40% of patients still need to be intubated. Researchers aim to study the interaction between the brain and lungs in adult patients with AHRF who start HFNC treatment, using advanced brain activity and oxygenation measurements previously tested only in intubated patients. The study involves observing adult patients admitted to intensive care with AHRF who are treated with HFNC as decided by their physician. Before and one hour after starting HFNC, researchers will record brain activity using electroencephalogram EEG, near-infrared spectroscopy NIRS, and electromyogram EMG of the scalene muscles. These recordings will measure brain wave activity in various regions, connectivity between brain areas, breathing-related brain signals, and muscle activity, to explore brain-lung interactions. Participants will undergo two 10-minute recording sessions including continuous EEG, NIRS, and EMG monitoring, plus intensive care data collection every minute. Researchers will compare these measures before and after HFNC initiation and between patients who require intubation and those who do not. The primary outcome is the change in gamma frequency brain activity in the right prefrontal cortex. The study will monitor participants during their intensive care stay, with no additional long-term follow-up mentioned.

Brain-lung Interaction During Acute Respiratory Failure