Critical review: “I’m upset about the RELAX trial” (study showing a lower PEEP strategy is noninferior to a higher PEEP strategy in ICU patients without ARDS)

I’m upset about the RELAX trial – PulmCrit

Original study and commentaries: Randomized trial: Among patients in the ICU receiving invasive ventilation, a strategy with lower PEEP was noninferior to a strategy using higher PEEP

Commentary from the author on Twitter

RELAX trial
?‍♂️PEEP 8 cm vs. lowest possible PEEP (as low as zero!) among patients without ARDS
?‍♂️no difference in primary endpoints
?‍♂️low-PEEP caused lower PO2/FiO2 ratios, higher driving pressures, more need for rescue therapy ?https://t.co/fGFiQyn3jY pic.twitter.com/yi2hN3yBZi

— ???? ?????? ? (@PulmCrit) December 14, 2020