A Comparison of High vs. Low Tidal Volumes in Ventilator Weaning for Individuals with Sub-acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries: A Site-Specific Randomized Clinical Trial

PI: Daniel Lammertse, MD, Susan Charlifue, PhD
Funded by: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Grant Number: H133N060005
Dates: 2006 - 2011
Contact: Susan Charlifue – Susie@craighospital.org 303 789 8306

The purpose of this study is to determine:

If providing high tidal volumes (VT = 20 cc/kg) will result in more rapid weaning from mechanical ventilation than use of low tidal volumes (VT = 10 cc/kg) in an 8-week trial involving people with sub-acute tetraplegia and ventilator dependency.
If use of high tidal volumes will result in fewer episodes of atelectasis and ventilator acquired pneumonia compared to use of low tidal volumes.
That there will be no difference in the incidence of a) barotrauma or b) acute respiratory distress syndrome between those using high tidal volumes compared to those using low tidal volumes.

Participants for this study include current Craig Hospital inpatients meeting the following criteria;

Traumatic SCI at levels C3 through C6, ASIA A, B, or C tetraplegia;
Subacute admission to Craig Hospital between 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury;
Completely ventilator-dependent (24 hours a day) at the time of admission to Craig Hospital
Age 18-55 years