Table 2

Evaluation time of primary and secondary outcomes

OutcomesBefore treatment, D0Immediately after the
1st intervention, D1
Immediately after the
5th intervention, D5
Immediately after the
10th intervention, D10
Primary outcomes
 SpO2
 RR
Secondary outcomes
 The TCM syndrome score
 Infection-related index
 WBC, CRP, PCT, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10
 Ventilator-related indicators
 VT, platform pressure, PEEP, mechanical ventilation time
 Blood gas analysis-related indicators
 PaO2, PaCO2, OI, Lac
  • CRP, C reactive protein; IL, interleukin; Lac, lactic acid; OI, Oxygenation Index; PCT, procalcitonin; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure; RR, respiratory rate; TCM, traditional Chinese medicine; TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor alpha; VT, tidal volume; WBC, white blood cell.