RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Diaphragm Atrophy and Dysfunction in Mechanical Ventilation

This study is investigating how breathing machines used in intensive care might affect a vital muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm helps us breathe, and sometimes, being on a breathing machine can make it weaker. This is called ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). We want to understand how quickly this weakness develops and how much patients recover once they are off the machine. We'll use special tests to measure the diaphragm's strength and how well it's controlled by the brain. Understanding this better could help doctors develop new ways to support patients' breathing muscles and improve their recovery after being in intensive care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

RWTH Aachen University

Enrolment target

Start

10 Oct 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Diaphragm Issues Mechanical Ventilation Complication Respiratory Failure Intensive Care (ICU) Myopathy

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell and need help to breathe, doctors often use a machine called a mechanical ventilator. This machine supports your lungs, but we're learning that it can sometimes affect a very important muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main muscle that helps us breathe, and staying on a breathing machine for a while can sometimes make it weaker. This is known as Ventilator-Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction, or VIDD.

This study aims to understand this problem better. We want to find out how quickly the diaphragm can become weak when someone is on a breathing machine. We also want to see how much the diaphragm recovers its strength and function once the breathing machine is no longer needed. By measuring the diaphragm's activity and how it responds, even after a patient comes off the machine, we hope to get a clearer picture of recovery.

We're also looking into whether the brain's ability to tell the diaphragm to work is affected. This might involve looking at how the brain and diaphragm communicate. By gathering all this information, our goal is to improve our understanding of how mechanical ventilation impacts the diaphragm, which could lead to better care and recovery for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how breathing machines can affect a key breathing muscle called the diaphragm.
Researchers want to understand how quickly the diaphragm can weaken and how well it recovers.
Special tests will measure the diaphragm's strength and how it's controlled by the brain.
The goal is to improve care and recovery for patients using breathing machines.
Participation is voluntary and will not change your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be an adult between 18 and 75 years old who has recently started using a mechanical breathing machine in intensive care. Doctors would expect you to need this breathing support for at least five days.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a very high Body Mass Index (BMI over 40), or if it's thought you might find it difficult to take part in follow-up tests after coming off the breathing machine. Other reasons include issues like alcohol or drug misuse, certain medical conditions like epilepsy or a slipped disc, or if you have any metal implants that are not safe for MRI scans.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Have you recently started using a mechanical breathing machine in intensive care?
Are you expected to need the breathing machine for at least 5 days?
Do you have any medical conditions, like epilepsy or certain implants, that might prevent you from joining?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, doctors will take measurements of your diaphragm while you are on the mechanical breathing machine and again after you are able to breathe on your own. This will involve some special tests that measure how well your diaphragm is working. We will be looking at how strong your diaphragm is and how well it communicates with your brain. The study will involve regular measurements during your time in intensive care and also after you leave the breathing machine, to see how your diaphragm recovers. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long you need the breathing machine and the follow-up measurements after that.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help researchers better understand how breathing machines affect the diaphragm, which could lead to improved care for future patients. While the tests are designed to be as safe as possible, there might be some minor discomfort, similar to other medical tests you might undergo in intensive care. All procedures will be explained to you, and your safety and comfort are our top priority. Remember, participating is entirely your choice, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (1)

RWTH Aachen University
Verified postcode
Aachen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the diaphragm?

The diaphragm is a large, thin muscle located at the bottom of your chest. It's the main muscle that helps you breathe in and out.

What is a 'mechanical breathing machine'?

This is a medical device, also called a ventilator, that helps you breathe when you are too unwell to do it fully on your own. It pushes air into your lungs.

What is 'VIDD'?

VIDD stands for Ventilator-Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction. It's when the diaphragm muscle becomes weaker because you've been on a breathing machine for some time.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, your medical treatment will continue as normal. This study is about safely gathering information on your diaphragm's function, not changing your care.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be part of the study while you're on the breathing machine and for a period after, so researchers can see how your diaphragm recovers. The exact time will depend on your recovery.

How to find out more

Michael Dreher, Professor

mdreher@ukaachen.de +4924180 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.