Saudi Guideline for Mechanical Ventilation in Adults – Executive Summary
Journal
Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences
ISSN
1658-631X
Date Issued
2026-02
Author(s)
Yaseen M. Arabi
Zohair Al Aseri
Ahmed A. Abdulmomen
Farhan Alenezi
Ali AlBshabshe
Sara Aldekhyl
Ahmed Algahtani
Haifa M. Algethamy
Fahad M. Al-Hameed
Mohammed K. Al Harbi
Waleed Alhazzani
Tariq Aljasser
Maha Aljuaid
Amal Al Matrood
Mohammed M. Al Mutairi
Khalid Naif Alobeiwi
Samah Y. Alqahtani
Mohammed A. Alqahtani
Khalid Al Reyes
Mohammed Alshahrani
Mohamed H. Azzam
Alyaa Elhazmi
Ahmed Mady
Khalid Maghrabi
Huda A. Mhawish
Mohammed O. Zeitouni
Ziad A. Memish
Mohammad Saeedi
Abdulrahman Alqahtani
Shatha Abuzinada
Francy Cantor-Cruz
Camila Oliver-Avila
Francisco Novillo
Ana Maria Rojas-Gómez
José Ramos-Rojas
Francisca Verdugo-Paiva
Javiera Peña
Valentina Veloso
Paula Zambrano
Joanna Valson
Ximena Alvira
Khushnam Bilimoria
Chirag Taneja
Mai Ta Phuong
Ruchi Chawla
Sheila Feit
Skye Bickett
Klara Brunnhuber
Type
journal-article
Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>The Saudi Guideline for Mechanical Ventilation in Adults presents evidence-based recommendations for the care of adults requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Fourteen priority clinical questions address ventilatory strategies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), adjunctive and rescue therapies, sedation and weaning practices, airway management, and supportive ICU care. Strong recommendations support low–tidal-volume ventilation and higher positive end-expiratory pressure in ARDS, as well as head-of-bed elevation to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Conditional recommendations include prone positioning, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in selected severe ARDS patients, daily sedation interruption, protocolized spontaneous breathing trials, and early tracheostomy. For several interventions, evidence remains insufficient to support definitive recommendations. This guideline aims to standardize practice and improve outcomes across Saudi intensive care units.</jats:p>
<jats:p>The Saudi Guideline for Mechanical Ventilation in Adults presents evidence-based recommendations for the care of adults requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Fourteen priority clinical questions address ventilatory strategies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), adjunctive and rescue therapies, sedation and weaning practices, airway management, and supportive ICU care. Strong recommendations support low–tidal-volume ventilation and higher positive end-expiratory pressure in ARDS, as well as head-of-bed elevation to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Conditional recommendations include prone positioning, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in selected severe ARDS patients, daily sedation interruption, protocolized spontaneous breathing trials, and early tracheostomy. For several interventions, evidence remains insufficient to support definitive recommendations. This guideline aims to standardize practice and improve outcomes across Saudi intensive care units.</jats:p>