Epidemiology of Respiratory Insufficiency in Critical Care
Epidemiology of Respiratory Insufficiency in Critical Care
Acute respiratory failure is a common entity in intensive care units nowadays and is
 associated with significant morbidity and mortality, thus representing a major health
 problem. Most of the published epidemiological studies on this condition were performed when
 modern ventilatory strategies and non-invasive ventilation were not available. Therefore, an
 actual evaluation on the incidence and outcomes of this syndrome is mandatory. We will
 perform an observational prospective study of patients admitted with acute respiratory
 insufficiency in several ICUs in Brazil.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Need for non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours in the
 first 48 hours of admission to the intensive care unit.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Tracheostomized patients

 -  Patients admitted to ICUs for monitoring or in post-operatory of non-complicated
 surgeries.

 -  Patients with cancer on terminal stage.