Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Is Hypoxemia Driving Outcome in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure? (HOMELAND Study)

This study, called the HOMELAND Study, focuses on patients who experienced severe breathing difficulties, known as Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (AHRF). This is a common reason for people to be admitted to intensive care units worldwide. Researchers are re-examining existing health data from 1,241 Spanish patients to understand better why some patients die early in intensive care. They are particularly interested in how low oxygen levels, combined with other organ problems, might play a role. They use a special statistical method to figure out the 'how' and 'why' behind these links. The goal is to improve our understanding of this serious condition.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Jesus Villar

Enrolment target

1,241

Start

13 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

29 Jul 2027

Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

What is this study about?

The HOMELAND Study is looking into a serious health problem called Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (AHRF). This means someone has very low oxygen levels in their blood because their lungs aren't working properly, leading to severe breathing difficulties. It's one of the most common reasons people end up in intensive care units (ICUs) around the world. The researchers want to understand why some patients with AHRF unfortunately pass away early during their time in the ICU.

To do this, the study is using information from a large group of 1,241 patients in Spain who previously had AHRF. This information includes details about their health and treatment, and it's all kept anonymous to protect their privacy. The researchers are particularly interested in how having low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and problems with other organs in the body might be connected to a patient's chances of survival. They're using a clever statistical method to try and figure out the exact 'steps' or 'reasons' why certain factors lead to certain outcomes.

The main aim is to gain a clearer picture of how different health issues, including low oxygen, affect patients with severe breathing problems. By understanding these connections better, doctors might be able to find new ways to predict which patients are at higher risk and potentially improve their care in the future. It's like solving a complex puzzle to help improve the outlook for people with this serious condition.

Key takeaways

The study explores why some patients with severe breathing problems get worse in the ICU.
It uses anonymous health data from over a thousand patients in Spain.
Researchers are focusing on how low oxygen and other organ problems affect outcomes.
No new treatments are being tested; it's a study of past information.
The goal is to improve understanding and future care for patients with critical breathing issues.

Who may be eligible?

This study looks at information from adults aged 18 to 100 years old. It includes both men and women.

The patients whose information is being studied all had severe breathing problems that required them to be put on a breathing machine (ventilator). Specifically, their oxygen levels were very low even while on the ventilator, and they needed breathing support with special settings.

Patients who were considered brain-dead were not included in the original group from which this data is taken. Since this study is looking at existing, anonymous health records, you wouldn't be able to 'join' this particular study as a new patient now.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Were you an adult (over 18)?
Did you experience severe breathing problems?
Were you put on a breathing machine (ventilator)?
Was your oxygen level very low while on the ventilator?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve new patients participating directly or trying out new treatments. Instead, researchers are looking back at existing, anonymous health information from patients in Spain who have already been treated for severe breathing problems.

This means there are no clinic visits, no new tests, no medications to take, and no follow-up appointments for anyone currently. The researchers are simply analysing a large database of past patient records to learn more about the condition and its effects.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves looking at existing, anonymous health data, there are no direct risks or benefits for individual patients. No one is receiving any specific treatment or intervention as part of this research. However, the potential benefit of this study is that by better understanding severe breathing difficulties and the factors that influence patient outcomes, doctors may be able to improve care for future patients. This could lead to more effective ways to predict risks and manage this serious condition. Patients' privacy is protected as all personal details have been removed from the data used.

Locations (18)

Department of Anesthesia, Hospital Universitario de Cruces
Verified postcode
Barakaldo, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (ICU)
Verified postcode
Albacete, Spain
Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (AVI)
Verified postcode
Barcelona, Spain
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Anesthesia)
Verified postcode
Barcelona, Spain
Hospital Clinic
Verified postcode
Barcelona, Spain
Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León (ICU)
Verified postcode
León, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de León
Verified postcode
León, Spain
Department of Anesthesia, Hospital Universitario La Paz
Verified postcode
Madrid, Spain
Department of Anesthesia, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Arrixaca
Verified postcode
Murcia, Spain
Department of Anesthesia, Hospital Clinico Universitario
Verified postcode
Valencia, Spain
Hospital Cinico de Valencia
Verified postcode
Valencia, Spain
Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia (Anesthesia)
Verified postcode
Valencia, Spain

Common questions

What is Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure?

It's a serious medical condition where your lungs can't get enough oxygen into your blood, leading to very low oxygen levels and severe breathing difficulties.

What is an intensive care unit (ICU)?

An ICU is a special hospital ward where very sick patients receive close monitoring and life support because they have severe health problems.

Is this study giving new treatments to patients?

No, this study is looking at existing medical records from patients who have already been treated. No one is receiving new treatments as part of this research.

Will my privacy be protected if my data is used?

Yes, all patient information used in this type of study is made completely anonymous, meaning all personal details are removed so individuals cannot be identified.

Why is this research important?

By understanding more about severe breathing problems, doctors hope to improve how they care for and treat patients in the future, potentially saving lives.