Nebulized Furosemide, Heparin, Hypertonic Saline in Mechanically Ventilated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Adult Patients

Nebulized Furosemide, Heparin, Hypertonic Saline in Mechanically Ventilated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

There are no specific drugs or therapies available to directly treat/prevent ARDS. Mechanical ventilation with an aim to minimize Ventilator Induced Lung Injury (VILI) and management of refractory hypoxemia are the keystones in supportive management of ARDS.

Furosemide: Nebulized furosemide has been studied as a potential treatment option for ARDS patients due to its diuretic properties and potential to reduce pulmonary edema. Research on the effectiveness of furosemide nebulization in ARDS patients could provide valuable insights into its potential role in managing respiratory distress and improving outcomes. Furosemide may reduce pulmonary edema via diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Heparin: Nebulized heparin has been proposed as a treatment for ARDS patients due to its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. By investigating the effectiveness of heparin nebulization in reducing pulmonary inflammation and improving oxygenation in ARDS patients, clinicians can gain a better understanding of its therapeutic potential in this critical condition. - ARDS involves fibrin deposition in alveoli, worsening compliance. Heparin may reduce microthrombosis and inflammation (anti-TNF-α effects).

Hypertonic saline: Nebulized hypertonic saline has been suggested as a potential therapy for ARDS patients due to its ability to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucociliary clearance. Examining the effectiveness of hypertonic saline nebulization in ARDS patients could offer valuable insights into its impact on respiratory function and recovery in this challenging patient population. Hypertonic saline may improve mucus clearance and alveolar fluid absorption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (≥18 years)
• ICU admission, mechanical ventilation for < 7 days
• ARDS diagnosed within 24 hours per the Berlin Definition, which includes Chest x-ray showing bilateral opacities, not fully explained by effusions, lung collapse; Respiratory failure not fully explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload, and exclusion of hydrostatic edema (by echocardiography);
• Oxygenation and ventilator settings matching one of the three categories of ARDS: Mild: 200 mmHg < PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 300 mmHg with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ≥ 5 cm H2O. Moderate: 100 mm Hg < PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 200 mm Hg with PEEP ≥ 5 cm H2O. Severe: PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 100 mm Hg with PEEP ≥ 5 cm H2O.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1- Pregnant Patient. 2- Refusal to participate in the trial by the patient's guardian. 3- Known allergy to furosemide or heparin. 4- Active major bleeding, recent intracranial hemorrhage 5- End-stage renal disease 6- Severe chronic liver disease. 7- Uncontrolled shock (e.g., high vasopressor doses). 8- Advanced directives limiting care (e.g., do-not-resuscitate orders), which could affect mortality outcomes.

  9- Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40 or severe obesity, which can severely impact lung mechanics and confound results.

  10- Electrolyte imbalance