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The following is a summary of “Dyspnea Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Systematic Review,” published in the April 2025 issue of Critical Care Medicine by Grush et al. 

The prevalence and intensity of dyspnea experienced by patients on mechanical ventilation remained unclear despite it being a common and distressing symptom.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the prevalence and severity of dyspnea in communicative, critically ill adults on mechanical ventilation and to explore associated factors and management strategies.  

They searched 6 databases—MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Using varied terms related to dyspnea, mechanical ventilation, and critical care, the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, 2 reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data with a predefined form to assess dyspnea prevalence, severity, related outcomes, and interventions.  

The results showed that out of 6,290 records screened, 21 observational studies and 3 RCTs were included. Dyspnea was reported in 475 of 1,169 communicative, individuals on mechanical ventilation (40.6%, 95% CI, 37.8–43.5), with most cases rated as moderate to severe, 1 study dyspnea was linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 90 days. Reported interventions included mechanical threshold inspiratory muscle training, ventilator adjustments, high-flow nasal cannula, opioids, hyperoxemia, and nonpharmacologic strategies such as music and fan therapy. Prevalence estimates were calculated using Stata 17 SE.  

Investigators concluded that dyspnea was common and often moderate to severe among patients on mechanical ventilation, was linked to negative long-term outcomes like probable PTSD, and that identified management strategies. 

Source: journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/abstract/9900/dyspnea_among_mechanically_ventilated_patients__a.512.aspx