CHARLI

2021

9 ICUs

256 patients

Nebulised heparin for patients with or at risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial

Clinical Question

In patients with or at risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS),
can nebulised heparin compared to placebo, accelerate recovery of physical
function?

Critical Appraisal

Key findings

Primary outcome: SF-36 Physical Function Score (patient or proxy reported limitations across
ten physical activities) of survivors at day 60 – no significant differenceIntervention group vs control group: (95% CI): 53.6 vs 48.7, MD 4.9 (-4.8
to 14.5) – a lower score indicates worse limitation

Critique

“The CHARLI study found that nebulised heparin therapy, compared with
placebo, in invasively ventilated intensive care patients with impaired
oxygenation and the expectation of invasive ventilation beyond the next
calendar day, did not improve the SF-36 Physical Function of survivors at
day 60”

Population: ARDS
Population Details: Not recorded
Intervention Arms: Heparin
25 000 IU in 5 mL, administered using a vibrating mesh membrane nebuliser every 6 hours to day 10 while invasively ventilated
Control Arms: Placebo
Primary Outcome: SF-36 Physical Function Score at day 60 days
Secondary Outcomes: Not recorded
P Value: Not recorded

Outcome Results

Not recorded

Primary location: Australia