A Combination of an Inhaled Budesonide and Ipratropium in Patients at Risk of Developing ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition with high morbidity and mortality, despite advances in medical care. It involves an intense inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to endothelial damage, increased capillary permeability, and fluid accumulation, causing hypoxemia and respiratory failure. ARDS can result from various pulmonary and non-pulmonary triggers. The 2012 Berlin criteria are widely used to diagnose ARDS, based on clinical signs, blood gas analysis, and chest imaging. The Lung Injury Prediction Score (LIPS) is used in emergency departments to assess the risk of ARDS, with scores of 4 or higher indicating a significant risk. Oxygenation impairment, particularly measured by the S/F ratio (oxygen saturation to inspired oxygen), is a strong predictor of ARDS. Common causes of death include severe hypoxemia, sepsis, organ failure, and respiratory complications. ARDS treatment emphasizes supportive care, including lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, and conservative fluid management. Pharmacological approaches have shown mixed results, with treatments like statins, surfactants, anticoagulants, and β2-agonists (e.g., salbutamol) offering inconsistent benefits. Corticosteroids have demonstrated improvements in oxygenation in conditions that progress to ARDS. Inhaled corticosteroids are being explored to minimize systemic side effects by targeting the lungs directly. Ipratropium bromide, an inhaled bronchodilator, may also offer therapeutic benefits by reducing lung inflammation and pulmonary edema. However, it carries risks such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and potential cardiovascular side effects. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial examines the effectiveness of early inhaled corticosteroids and ipratropium in reducing the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and its complications in high-risk patients. Participants will be administered aerosolized budesonide and ipratropium or a pla