Side effects of positive pressure ventilation on hepatic function and splanchnic circulation.

Positive pressure ventilation is associated with a reduction and redistribution of cardiac output. Splanchnic blood flow is decreased. Blood supply of the liver is reduced exceeding the fall in cardiac output. As a result oxygen transport to the mesenteric bed and liver is curtailed. There is a concomitant impairment of hepatic venous outflow. These hemodynamic changes may cause functional, structural and metabolic disturbances in organs whose blood supply arises from splanchnic circulation.