Mechanical Power and Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

This prospective observational cohort study will enroll adult patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit who require invasive mechanical ventilation. Mechanical power will be calculated during the first 72 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation using ventilatory parameters recorded during routine clinical care. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, respiratory and ventilatory parameters, and relevant laboratory data will be recorded. Patients will be followed during their ICU stay, and 28-day mortality will be assessed as the primary outcome. The association between mechanical power and 28-day mortality will be evaluated using appropriate statistical analyses, including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess the predictive performance of mechanical power.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years.
• Both sexes.
• Patients requiring invasive controlled mechanical ventilation in the ICU and expected to require mechanical ventilation for at least 72 hours.
• Enrollment within the first 8 hours after initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Acceptance and written informed consent from a first-degree relative.

Exclusion criteria

• Predominant spontaneous breathing or weaning modes during the first 48 hours.
• Severe hemodynamic instability precluding standardized measurements.
• Prolonged mechanical ventilation prior to ICU admission.
• Pregnancy.
• Chest trauma.