Incidence of Complications From the Alveolar Opening Maneuver in Mechanically Ventilated Children With Respiratory Distress Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

This research analyzes the frequency of complications related to a therapeutic procedure called the alveolar opening maneuver combined with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who are in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). These interventions, part of standard care, aim to improve lung oxygenation and breathing mechanics in critically ill pediatric patients. The study is observational and will provide important safety information about these common treatments. The study involves pediatric patients under 14 years old who are on invasive mechanical ventilation for more than four hours and meet certain oxygenation criteria. The procedure includes carefully raising PEEP to specific pressure levels, maintaining it briefly, then lowering it to find the best setting based on lung pressures and oxygen levels. This maneuver is performed once when medically needed, guided by the treating team and following a set safety protocol with continuous monitoring. Participants will have baseline clinical data recorded before the procedure and monitored closely during and for four hours afterward to detect any complications. If repeated, monitoring continues for four hours after the last maneuver. Researchers will collect demographic and clinical information and analyze the overall rate of complications using statistical methods. The study will continue until 143 procedures have been observed, contributing data to improve care in ventilated children with ARDS.

Complications of the Alveolar Opening Maneuver in Children on Mechanical Ventilation