Respiratory failure and respiratory support

Respiratory failure remains a constant challenge in the management of critically ill patients, with clinical implications ranging from optimizing oxygen therapy to personalizing mechanical ventilation. This special issue of Medicina Intensiva addresses the most relevant and current aspects of respiratory support, highlighting both scientific advances and opportunities for improvement in the routine clinical practice.
The selected articles delve into topics such as the comparison between conservative and liberal oxygen therapies, the implementation of protocols for adjusting PEEP in ARDS patients, and the impact of prone positioning on lung function. Additionally, new diagnostic tools, such as the P/FPE index, and innovative methods for evaluating mechanical respiratory energy using Bayesian factor analysis are examined.
Practical issues are also explored, including patient-ventilator synchronization and the individualization of ventilatory support in patients with obstructive conditions or COVID-19-related diseases. Complementing this issue are perspectives on strategies to optimize the management of acute respiratory failure and scientific letters exploring specific approaches, such as the Macklin effect or the hemodynamic impact of moderate ARDS.
We hope this special issue serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, fostering ongoing progress in respiratory care and encouraging new research that benefits the most vulnerable patients.