Nakuru

Acute hypoxemia, a serious condition with low blood oxygen, often leads to high death rates in resource-limited hospitals. Researchers are evaluating whether high flow oxygen therapy compared to standard flow oxygen improves survival in adult patients with this condition in five hospitals across low and lower-middle income countries. The study also explores challenges and benefits related to using high flow oxygen and compares oxygen usage between the two methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either humidified and heated high flow oxygen through a large nasal cannula targeting oxygen saturation between 90-94%, or standard flow oxygen delivered via nasal cannula, facemask, or non-rebreather mask with the same oxygen saturation target. This comparison aims to determine if one oxygen delivery method leads to better patient outcomes or is more practical to use in these settings. During the study, researchers will monitor patient survival up to 90 days after hospital admission. They will also gather information on oxygen consumption and factors influencing the use of high flow oxygen devices. Patients will be assessed for oxygen levels, treatment adherence, and overall condition throughout their hospital stay to understand the effectiveness and feasibility of both oxygen therapies.

Researchers are conducting a multinational, prospective observational study called the ICU-related Out-of-Pocket Expenses (ICOPE) study in African and Asian countries. This study aims to measure the financial burden on patients and families related to ICU care, focusing on out-of-pocket expenses and catastrophic health expenditure. The study includes both ventilated and non-ventilated patients admitted to participating ICUs during a 14-day recruitment period, with a planned sample size of at least 354 patients. Participants are followed during their ICU stay, which averages about 7 days, and additional follow-ups occur at 30 days and 6 months after admission. The study compares costs between patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and those who are not ventilated. It also investigates risk factors for catastrophic health expenditure and documents how families cope with the financial demands of ICU care. Throughout the study, researchers collect data on patient expenses, including direct medical and non-medical costs, as well as indirect costs such as income loss. The main outcomes measured are the out-of-pocket cost per patient episode until ICU discharge and the relative risk of catastrophic health expenditure. The total study duration spans 18 months, allowing for comprehensive assessment of financial impact and coping strategies over time.