NCT03963622 · Unity Health Toronto
Careful Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19)
(CAVIARDS)
What this study is about
This is a conducted at multiple hospitals randomly assigned controlled clinical trial with an adaptive design assessing the effectiveness of setting the ventilator based on measurements of respiratory mechanics (recruitability and effort) to reduce Day 60 mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
View original scientific description
This is a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial with an adaptive design assessing the efficacy of setting the ventilator based on measurements of respiratory mechanics (recruitability and effort) to reduce Day 60 mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The CAVIARDS study is also a basket trial; a basket trial design examines a single intervention in multiple disease populations. CAVIARDS consists of an identical 2-arm mechanical ventilation protocol implemented in two different study populations (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients). As per a typical basket trial design, the operational structure of both the COVID-19 substudy (CAVIARDS-19) and non-COVID-19 substudy (CAVIARDS-all) is shared (recruitment, procedures, data collection, analysis, management, etc.).
Interventions
OTHER
Respiratory Mechanics
Different maneuvers based on respiratory mechanics will be assessed at the bedside and will be used to individualize ventilator parameters. Recruitability will be assessed with a one breath decremental PEEP maneuver, and search for airway closure with a low-flow pressure volume or pressure-time curve. If the patient has airway closure, the minimal PEEP will be set at the airway opening pressure to avoid closure. If the patient is considered recruitable, the goal is to set PEEP at or above 15cmH20 to maximize alveolar recruitment, until the plateau pressure reaches the safety limit. Volume control ventilation at 6ml·kg-1 will be used. Once spontaneous breathing has started, the occlusion pressure (P0.1) will be maintained within targets.
OTHER
Standard Ventilation Strategy
Patients randomized to the control arm will receive standard care. The PEEP is adjusted for oxygenation based on a PEEP-FiO2 table, either the low PEEP-FiO2 or the high PEEP-FiO2 table. Volume targeted ventilation with initial VT 6 mL·kg-1 and Plateau pressure at 30 cmH2O or below, targeting PaO2 60-80 or SpO2 90-95%, adjusted as per the protocol. Pressure-support ventilation is at physician's discretion, but recommended when FiO2 \<60%, and is titrated VT 6-8 mL·kg-1.
Primary outcome measures
All-cause 60-day mortality
Time frame: 60 days
The lack of an appropriate surrogate endpoint, and the high baseline mortality rate mandate a multicentre RCT to determine the mortality effects of setting the ventilator based on recruitability and effort compared with conventional ventilation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Moderate or severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mmHg) within 48 h of meeting Berlin ARDS criteria (Patients who were eligible at the time of screening and whose PaO2/FiO2 became \> 200 mm Hg under prone positioning when starting the protocol remained eligible)
Exclusion criteria
- Received continuous mechanical ventilation \> 7 days
- Known or clinically suspected elevated intracranial pressure (\>18mmHg) necessitating strict control of PaCO2
- Known pregnancy
- Broncho-pleural fistula
- Severe liver disease (Child-Pugh Score ≥ 10)
- BMI \>40kg/m2
- Anticipating withdrawal of life support and/or shift to palliation as the goal of care
- Patient is receiving ECMO at time of randomization
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), University of Toronto, Applied Health Research Centre
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations