Talavera De La Reina

Researchers are investigating the effects of different doses of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, in adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) caused by infections, including COVID-19. This condition ranges from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiorgan failure, and death. The trial aims to clarify whether moderate doses of dexamethasone reduce mortality more than low doses in patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive intravenous dexamethasone either at a low dose of 6 mg per day for 10 days or a higher dose regimen of 20 mg per day for 5 days followed by 10 mg per day for another 5 days. This is a randomized, controlled, open-label study conducted across multiple centers in Spain. The study focuses on patients who are mechanically ventilated with confirmed pulmonary or systemic infections causing AHRF or ARDS. During the study, researchers will monitor patients for 60-day mortality as the main outcome and assess the number of days they are free from mechanical ventilation within 28 days. The study follows the intention-to-treat principle, ensuring all randomized patients are analyzed according to their assigned treatment. The trial includes detailed clinical assessments, chest imaging, and oxygenation measurements as part of patient evaluation throughout the treatment period.