Breathing machine may harm diaphragm: new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03108118
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how breathing machines (mechanical ventilators) might injure the diaphragm, the main muscle used for breathing. Researchers will monitor 50 ICU patients over their first 7 days on the ventilator, measuring diaphragm activity and function. The goal is to understand why some patients develop diaphragm weakness and how to prevent it.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help doctors understand how to adjust ventilator settings to reduce diaphragm injury in critically ill patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small observational study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. It does not test any treatment, so no direct benefit is expected.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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50 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2013
- Finished
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Dec 2019
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Critically ill patients who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for less than 36 hours.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (\>18) with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for less than 36 hours diagnosed with any of the following conditions: acute severe brain injury; moderate or severe ARDS; septic shock; pneumonia Exclusion Criteria: * Predicted probability of remaining alive and on the ventilator on ICU day 7 is less than 50% * Liberation from mechanical ventilation is expected/planned within 24 hours * High cervical spine injury (C5 or higher) * Receiving mechanical ventilation for neuromuscular disease * Acute exacerbation of an obstructive lung disease * Known esophageal varices or any other condition for which the attending physician deems an orogastric catheter to be unsafe * Esophageal, gastric or duodenal surgical procedures within the last 6 months * Received mechanical ventilation for \> 48 hours in the preceding 6 months
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mount Sinai Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
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University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N2, Canada
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