Effect of decreasing respiratory rate on the mechanical power of ventilation and lung injury biomarkers: a randomized cross-over clinical study in COVID-19 ARDS patients.

Publication date: Jul 09, 2025

The respiratory rate (RR) is a key determinant of the mechanical power of ventilation (MP). The effect of reducing the RR on MP and its potential to mitigate ventilator-induced lung injury remains unclear. To compare invasive ventilation using a lower versus a higher RR with respect to MP and plasma biomarkers of lung injury in COVID-19 ARDS patients. In a randomized cross-over clinical study in COVID-19 ARDS patients, we compared ventilation using a lower versus a higher RR in time blocks of 12 h. Patients were ventilated with tidal volumes of 6 ml/kg predicted body weight, and positive-end-expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen according to an ARDS network table. Respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics were assessed at the end of each period, and blood samples were drawn for measurements of inflammatory cytokines, epithelial and endothelial lung injury markers. In a subgroup of patients, we performed echocardiography and esophageal pressure measurements. We enrolled a total of 32 patients (26 males [81%], aged 52 [44-64] years). The median respiratory rate during ventilation with a lower and a higher RR was 20 [16-22] vs. 30 [26-32] breaths/min (p 

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