Vertical Positioning for Respiratory Failure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether transitioning from lying down to standing can improve breathing in people with hypoxemic respiratory failure, a condition characterized by insufficient oxygen in the blood. Researchers aim to determine if standing affects oxygen levels in patients on a ventilator. Suitable participants are adults on a ventilator with oxygen levels between 88-94%. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new methods for improving breathing in those with respiratory failure.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this positioning technique is safe for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure?
Research shows that changing a patient's position can help with breathing problems. When patients with breathing issues move from lying down to sitting up, their lung function can improve. Studies have found that sitting up allows more air to enter the lungs.
No reports indicate serious side effects from simply sitting a patient up. Hospitals often use this position for various reasons, and it is generally considered safe. Although the research does not specifically address the safety of this practice, the absence of reported problems suggests it is well-tolerated.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about exploring vertical positioning, specifically standing, for patients with respiratory failure because it offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional mechanical ventilation strategies. Unlike typical treatments that focus on mechanical lung support, standing may enhance lung function by leveraging gravity to improve ventilation and oxygenation naturally. This approach could potentially minimize complications associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, such as muscle atrophy and ventilator-associated lung injury, providing a simpler and potentially safer option for respiratory support.
What evidence suggests that changing to an upright position is effective for hypoxemic respiratory failure?
Research shows that changing a patient's position can greatly impact breathing in people with hypoxemic respiratory failure, a serious condition where blood oxygen levels are too low. Studies have found that standing or sitting up can help improve oxygen levels in the blood. This trial will investigate the effects of standing on oxygen levels in patients who are mechanically ventilated. One study discovered that being upright can help the lungs work better, especially for patients using a breathing machine. Another study suggested that lying face down can also help, indicating that standing might offer similar benefits. This makes studying the effect of standing on oxygen levels in these patients promising.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
John P Kress, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Chicago
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who are on mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure, with specific oxygen levels in their blood. It's not for those with severe heart rates, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal bleeding, high intracranial pressure, pregnancy, or if they weren't walking before hospitalization.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants are assisted to move from a supine to an upright position to assess changes in gas exchange
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Standing
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Chicago
Lead Sponsor