Grant: Randomized Controlled Trials

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common and catastrophic complication of critical illness related to burns, motor vehicle accidents, or overwhelming infection. ARDS kills 40-70% of affected patients. Patients with ARDS require life support in the form of a ventilator to breathe for them while their lungs heal. Ironically, ventilators can cause further damage to the lungs. We propose a study comparing 2 methods to protect the lungs from further damage. One method uses standard mechanical ventilators and the other uses a new type of ventilator, called a high frequency oscillator. Building on our experience with a preliminary study that showed that this is feasible, we propose to test whether this high frequency oscillation will reduce the relative risk of dying from ARDS. A total of 1200 patients will be included from 50 intensive care units in Canada and around the world.