Criterion | Rationale for exclusion |
---|---|
The episode of MV lasts less than 12 h. | The evidence supporting low tidal volume ventilation does not apply to patients who undergo very short periods of MV, nor does it alter their outcomes. |
The patient is on minimal settings for the entirety of MV, defined as a spontaneous mode (e.g., pressure support ventilation) with pressure support < 10 cmH2O, and PEEP < 8 cmH20, and FiO2 < 50%. | The clinical significance of spontaneous tidal volumes is unknown and low tidal volumes may not be beneficial or desirable. |
Goals of care are documented as comfort measures only during the first 72 h during episode of MV. | MV is managed differently during care focused exclusively on comfort and low tidal volume ventilation may not be appropriate, nor would it be expected to influence clinical outcomes. |
There is no height documented in the EHR at the time of initiation of MV. | We will be unable to estimate ideal body weight, a necessary parameter to calculate the primary outcome, and patient’s without a documented height will not receive the interventions. |