Precision Ventilation vs Standard Care for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ARDS is a devastating condition that places a heavy burden on public health resources. Recent changes in the practice of mechanical ventilation have improved survival in ARDS, but mortality remains unacceptably high. This application is for support of a phase III multi-centered, randomized controlled trial of mechanical ventilation, directed by driving pressure and esophageal manometry, in patients with ARDS. The primary hypothesis is that precise ventilator titration to maintain lung stress within 0-12 centimeters of water (cm H2O), the normal physiological range experienced during relaxed breathing, will improve 60-day mortality, compared to guided usual care. Specific Aim 1: To determine the effect on mortality of the precision ventilation strategy, compared to guided usual care, in patients with ARDS. • Hypothesis 1: The precision ventilation strategy will decrease 60-day mortality (primary trial endpoint). Specific Aim 2: To evaluate the effects on lung injury of the precision ventilation strategy, compared to guided usual care, in patients with ARDS. * Hypothesis 2a: The precision ventilation strategy will improve clinical pulmonary recovery, defined using the composite endpoint alive and ventilator-free (AVF). * Hypothesis 2b: The precision ventilation strategy will attenuate alveolar epithelial injury. Specific Aim 3: To evaluate the hemodynamic safety profile of the precision ventilation strategy, compared to guided usual care, in patients with ARDS. • Hypothesis 3: The precision ventilation strategy will decrease hemodynamic instability, measured as shock-free days through Day 14.