Efficiency and Safety of the Prolonged Use of Heat and Moisture Exchangers in ICU

Launched by CHARLES UNIVERSITY, CZECH REPUBLIC · May 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The FILTRex trial is studying the use of special filters called Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) in patients who are on mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These filters help to warm and moisten the air that patients breathe, which can be important for their recovery. This trial will compare the effects of using these filters for a longer duration of 72 hours versus the standard 24 hours, to see which is more effective and safe for preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP), a common lung infection in ventilated patients.

To participate in this study, patients need to be at least 18 years old, be in the ICU, and expect to be on mechanical ventilation for at least 72 hours. They should also have a certain score that indicates they are not showing signs of a lung infection at the start of the trial. Participants will have the chance to receive either the longer or standard duration of HME use, and their health will be closely monitored throughout the study. This research aims to improve care for critically ill patients, and your involvement could help make a difference for future patients in similar situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age ≥18 years
• • 2. In-patient in ICU and expected to stay \> 3 days
• • 3. Mechanical ventilation or imminent need of it; predicted length of mechanical ventilation ≥ 72h
• • 4. Clinical Pulmonary Infection score (CPIS) less than six at the baseline 5 No history and symptoms of aspiration at the baseline
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Suspected pulmonary infection on admission and in the first 48 hours of mechanical ventilation
• • 2. Pregnancy
• • 3. Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• • 4. Body temperature \< 32°C
• • 5. Airway bleeding or other contraindications for the use of HME
• • 6. An early decision of treatment withdrawal