Claude Guerin1, Jean-Christophe Richard. 1. Hôpital de la Croix Rousse and Université de Lyon, Service de Réanimation Médicale, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France. claude.guerin@chu-lyon.fr
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The measurement of respiratory system resistance during mechanical ventilation is important to ascertain the causes of increase in airway pressure during volume-controlled ventilation, which may include airways resistance and decreased respiratory system compliance. DISCUSSION: Separation of total resistance from compliance of the respiratory system can be assessed by the end-inspiratory hold maneuver that separates peak pressure from plateau pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Although this method assumes a homogeneous respiratory system, it has proven useful clinically to separate flow-dependence issues such as bronchospasm or endotracheal tube obstruction from stiff lungs (acute lung injury) or decrease chest wall (abdominal distension) compliance.
BACKGROUND: The measurement of respiratory system resistance during mechanical ventilation is important to ascertain the causes of increase in airway pressure during volume-controlled ventilation, which may include airways resistance and decreased respiratory system compliance. DISCUSSION: Separation of total resistance from compliance of the respiratory system can be assessed by the end-inspiratory hold maneuver that separates peak pressure from plateau pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Although this method assumes a homogeneous respiratory system, it has proven useful clinically to separate flow-dependence issues such as bronchospasm or endotracheal tube obstruction from stiff lungs (acute lung injury) or decrease chest wall (abdominal distension) compliance.
Authors: Serge Elsasser; Josef Guttmann; Reto Stocker; Georg Mols; Hans-Joachim Priebe; Christoph Haberthür Journal: Crit Care Med Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 7.598