Does nebulised acetylcysteine improve oxygen delivery in intubated Intensive Care Unit patients?

Respiratory tract secretions are often increased in volume and density in patients requiring invasive ventilatory support, and can block airways leading to impaired gas exchange. Acetylcysteine is a medication known to lead to thinning of respiratory secretions, when given both orally and when inhaled. It is therefore sometimes used in ICU, but with no clear evidence providing clinical benefit in intubated ICU patients Our hypothesis is that inhaled acetylcysteine will lead to improved oxygen levels by aiding removal of excess respiratory secretions.