Pulmonary edema and continuous positive pressure breathing (CPPB).

We have successfully treated severe pulmonary edema of various etiologies and the concomitant hypoxia in 17 infants and children with continuous positive pressure spontaneous breathing. The pressure used was 8 to 14 cm of water above atmospheric pressure. No significant changes occurred in arterial or central venous blood pressure, and no patient developed clinical evidence of peripheral venous engorgement. Pulmonary edema cleared within 24 hours in all cases. We believe this rapid clearing may differentiate pulmonary edema from pneumonia and pulmonary hemorrhage. The pathophysiology and the roentgenologic findings are presented.