High Pleural Pressure Prevents Alveolar Overdistension and Hemodynamic Collapse in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Class III Obesity. A Clinical Trial

Ventilation in the obese: physiological insights and management

Obesity can have profound adverse effects on the respiratory system, including an impact on pulmonary function, respiratory mechanics, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, gas exchange, control of breathing, and exercise capacity. Lung mechanics are modified by increased pleural pressure resulting from increased abdominal mass and subsequent peripheral airway occlusion and worsening of lung compliance due to reduced functional residual capacity without impairment of chest wall compliance. Arterial blood gases are frequently altered in these subjects and these abnormalities are directly proportional to body mass index. Mechanisms that may account for gas exchange abnormalities are multiple: ventilation/perfusion inequality (responsible for isolated hypoxaemia) and alveolar hypoventilation (responsible for so-called "obesity hypoventilation syndrome" (OHS)). Hypoventilation in obese patients results from a diversity of mechanisms, among which the two most frequently raised are mechanical limitation and blunted ventilatory drive. OHS is frequently underappreciated and diagnosis is frequently made during a first acute exacerbation. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition frequently associated with obesity and must be systematically screened for in this population because of its impact on morbidity and therapeutic management. Ventilatory management of these patients will depend on the patient's underlying situation, clinical presentation and physiology, including sleep study results; it may include continuous positive airway pressure or non-invasive ventilation. The goal of this narrative review is to provide a physiological-based overview of the impact of obesity on the respiratory system with a special focus on ventilatory management of patients with obesity-related respiratory disturbances.

Managing Refractory Hypoxemia in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Obese Patients with Veno-Venous Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Narrative Review

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) is a life-saving intervention for severe respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional therapies. However, managing refractory hypoxemia in morbidly obese patients poses significant challenges due to the unique physiological characteristics of this population, including hyperdynamic circulation, elevated cardiac output, and increased oxygen consumption. These factors can limit the effectiveness of vvECMO by diluting arterial oxygen content and complicating oxygen delivery. Refractory hypoxemia in obese patients supported by vvECMO often stems from an imbalance between ECMO blood flow and cardiac output. Hyperdynamic circulation exacerbates the recirculation of oxygenated blood and impairs the efficiency of oxygen transfer. To address these challenges, a stepwise, individualized approach is essential. Strategies to reduce oxygen consumption include deep sedation, neuromuscular blockade, and temperature control. Cardiac output modulation can be achieved through beta-blockers and cautious therapeutic hypothermia. Optimizing oxygen delivery involves improving residual lung function; high positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation guided by esophageal pressure monitoring; prone positioning; and adjustments to the ECMO circuit, such as using dual oxygenators, larger membranes, or additional drainage cannulas. This review highlights the interplay of physiological adaptations and technical innovations required to overcome the challenges of managing refractory hypoxemia in obese patients during vvECMO. By addressing the complexities of high cardiac output and obesity, clinicians can enhance the effectiveness of vvECMO and improve outcomes for this high-risk population.

Beyond the Lungs: Extrapulmonary Effects of Non-Invasive and Invasive Ventilation Strategies

Background/Objectives: Non-invasive respiratory support and invasive mechanical ventilation are critical interventions that can induce significant changes not only in the lungs but also in extra-pulmonary organs, which are often overlooked. Understanding the extra-pulmonary effects of non-invasive respiratory support and invasive mechanical ventilation is crucial since it can help prevent or mitigate complications and improve outcomes. This narrative review explores these consequences in detail and highlights areas that require further research. Main Text: Non-invasive respiratory support and invasive mechanical ventilation can significantly impact various extrapulmonary organs. For instance, some ventilation strategies can affect venous return from the brain, which may lead to neurological sequelae. In the heart, regardless of the chosen ventilation method, increased intrathoracic pressure (ITP) can also reduce venous return to the heart. This reduction in turn can decrease cardiac output, resulting in hypotension and diminished perfusion of vital organs. Conversely, in certain situations, both ventilation strategies may enhance cardiac function by decreasing the work of breathing and lowering oxygen consumption. In the kidneys, these ventilation methods can impair renal perfusion and function through various mechanisms, including hemodynamic changes and the release of stress hormones. Such alterations can lead to acute kidney injury or exacerbate pre-existing renal conditions. Conclusions: This review emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the extensive mechanisms by which non-invasive respiratory support and invasive mechanical ventilation affect extrapulmonary organs, including neurological, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Such knowledge is essential for optimizing patient care and improving outcomes in critical care settings.

Case report: Electrical impedance tomography-guided ventilator weaning in an obese patient with severe pneumonia

Background

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) evaluates lung function by providing continuous, real-time monitoring of regional lung ventilation distribution to guide the restoration of lung ventilation. Patients with obesity who are dependent on mechanical ventilation often struggle with weaning. This case report highlights the potential of EIT to guide the weaning of ventilator-dependent patients in an obese patient with severe pneumonia.

Case summary

A 23-year-old male obese patient was admitted to Zhongshan People's Hospital in November 2023 due to progressive dyspnea. He suffered from recurrent fever and worsening oxygenation and had a 20+ year history of syringomyelia. Combined with abnormal computed tomography imaging, the discovery of a viral infection in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and next-generation sequencing results, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia. In addition to conventional treatment, EIT was used to guide him through postural changes and ventilation recovery. EIT-informed prone positioning improved ventilation distribution and facilitated successful ventilator weaning on day 26. The patient was discharged after recovering spontaneous respiratory function.

Conclusion

EIT may help ventilator-dependent obese patients achieve tailored targets to improve ventilatory outcomes.

Transpulmonary Pressure as a Predictor of Successful Lung Recruitment: Reanalysis of a Multicenter International Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Recruitment maneuvers are used in patients with ARDS to enhance oxygenation and lung mechanics. Heterogeneous lung and chest-wall mechanics lead to unpredictable transpulmonary pressures and could impact recruitment maneuver success. Tailoring care based on individualized transpulmonary pressure might optimize recruitment, preventing overdistention. This study aimed to identify the optimal transpulmonary pressure for effective recruitment and to explore its association with baseline characteristics. Methods: We performed post hoc analysis on the Esophageal Pressure Guided Ventilation (EpVent2) trial. We estimated the dose-response relationship between end-recruitment end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure and the change in lung elastance after a recruitment maneuver by using logistic regression weighted by a generalized propensity score. A positive change in lung elastance was indicative of overdistention. We examined how patient characteristics, disease severity markers, and respiratory parameters predict transpulmonary pressure by using multivariate linear regression models and dominance analyses. Results: Of 121 subjects, 43.8% had a positive change in lung elastance. Subjects with a positive change in lung elastance had a mean ± SD transpulmonary pressure of 15.1 ± 4.9 cm H2O, compared with 13.9 ± 3.9 cm H2O in those with a negative change in lung elastance. Higher transpulmonary pressure was associated with increased probability of a positive change in lung elastance (adjusted odds ratio 1.35 per 1 cm H2O of transpulmonary pressure, 95% CI 1.13-1.61; P = .001), which indicated an S-shaped dose-response curve, with overdistention probability > 50% at transpulmonary pressure values > 18.3 cm H2O. The volume of recruitment was transpulmonary pressure-dependent (P < .001; R2 = 0.49) and inversely related to a change in lung elastance after adjusting for baseline lung elastance (P < .001; R2 = 0.43). Negative correlations were observed between transpulmonary pressure and body mass index, PEEP, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and PaO2/FIO2, whereas baseline lung elastance showed a positive correlation. The body mass index emerged as the dominant negative predictor of transpulmonary pressure (ranking 1; contribution to R2 = 0.08), whereas pre-recruitment elastance was the sole positive predictor (contribution to R2 = 0.06). Conclusions: Higher end-recruitment transpulmonary pressure increases the volume of recruitment but raises the risk of overdistention, providing the rationale for transpulmonary pressure to be used as a clinical target. Predictors, for example, body mass index, could guide recruitment maneuver individualization to balance adequate volume gain with overdistention.

Noninvasive respiratory support following extubation in critically ill adults with obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Patients with obesity are at high-risk of extubation failure. Discrepancies were found in the results of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the roles of noninvasive ventilation (NIV), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) to prevent extubation failure in critically ill patients with obesity.

Methods

In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science from 1 January 1998 to 1 July 2024 for RCTs evaluating noninvasive respiratory support therapies (NIV, HFNC, COT, NIV + HFNC) after extubation in critically ill adults with obesity. Primary outcome was reintubation at day 7. Secondary outcome was 28-day mortality. We generated pooled risk ratios (RR) and numbers needed to treat (NNT). We rated risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42022308995).

Findings

In seven RCTs including 1933 patients, NIV + HFNC (RR 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16-0.82], NNT = 10 [95% CI 7-33]) and NIV (RR 0.45 [95% CI 0.23-0.88], NNT = 11 [95% CI 8-50]) but not HFNC (RR 0.79 [95% CI 0.40-1.59]) reduced reintubation at day 7, compared to COT. Compared to HFNC, NIV + HFNC (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.23-0.90], NNT = 14 [95% CI 10-77]) but not NIV (RR 0.57 [95% CI 0.32-1.02]) reduced reintubation at day 7. Compared to HFNC, both NIV (RR 0.31 [95% CI 0.13-0.74], NNT = 15 [95% CI 12-40]) and NIV + HFNC (RR 0.30 [95% CI 0.10-0.89], NNT = 15 [95% CI 11-90]) reduced 28-day mortality.

Interpretation

The results suggest that compared to COT and HFNC, NIV alone or with HFNC reduces reintubation in critically ill patients with obesity after extubation. Compared to HFNC, NIV alone or with HFNC reduces mortality. The number needed to treat with NIV or NIV + HFNC to avoid one death was 15. These findings support the application of NIV to mitigate extubation failure in critically ill adults with obesity.

Funding

None.

The pleural gradient does not reflect the superimposed pressure in patients with class III obesity

BACKGROUND

The superimposed pressure is the primary determinant of the pleural pressure gradient. Obesity is associated with elevated end-expiratory esophageal pressure, regardless of lung disease severity, and the superimposed pressure might not be the only determinant of the pleural pressure gradient. The study aims to measure partitioned respiratory mechanics and superimposed pressure in a cohort of patients admitted to the ICU with and without class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), and to quantify the amount of thoracic adipose tissue and muscle through advanced imaging techniques.

METHODS

This is a single-center observational study including ICU-admitted patients with acute respiratory failure who underwent a chest computed tomography scan within three days before/after esophageal manometry. The superimposed pressure was calculated from lung density and height of the largest axial lung slice. Automated deep-learning pipelines segmented lung parenchyma and quantified thoracic adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.

RESULTS

N = 18 participants (50% female, age 60 [30-66] years), with 9 having BMI < 30 and 9  ≥ 40 kg/m2. Groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, clinical severity scores, or mortality. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 exhibited higher esophageal pressure (15.8 ± 2.6 vs. 8.3 ± 4.9 cmH2O, p = 0.001), higher pleural pressure gradient (11.1 ± 4.5 vs. 6.3 ± 4.9 cmH2O, p = 0.04), while superimposed pressure did not differ (6.8 ± 1.1 vs. 6.5 ± 1.5 cmH2O, p = 0.59). Subcutaneous and intrathoracic adipose tissue were significantly higher in subjects with BMI ≥ 40 and correlated positively with esophageal pressure and pleural pressure gradient (p < 0.05). Muscle areas did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with class III obesity, the superimposed pressure does not approximate the pleural pressure gradient, which is higher than in patients with lower BMI. The quantity and distribution of subcutaneous and intrathoracic adiposity also contribute to increased pleural pressure gradients in individuals with BMI ≥ 40. This study introduces a novel physiological concept that provides a solid rationale for tailoring mechanical ventilation in patients with high BMI, where specific guidelines recommendations are lacking.

Specific and Non-specific Aspects and Future Challenges of ICU Care Among COVID-19 Patients with Obesity: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since the end of 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected nearly 800 million people and caused almost seven million deaths. Obesity was quickly identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19, ICU admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ support including mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay. The relationship among obesity; COVID-19; and respiratory, thrombotic, and renal complications upon admission to the ICU is unclear.

RECENT FINDINGS

The predominant effect of a hyperinflammatory status or a cytokine storm has been suggested in patients with obesity, but more recent studies have challenged this hypothesis. Numerous studies have also shown increased mortality among critically ill patients with obesity and COVID-19, casting doubt on the obesity paradox, with survival advantages with overweight and mild obesity being reported in other ICU syndromes. Finally, it is now clear that the increase in the global prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major public health issue that must be accompanied by a transformation of our ICUs, both in terms of equipment and human resources. Research must also focus more on these patients to improve their care. In this review, we focused on the central role of obesity in critically ill patients during this pandemic, highlighting its specificities during their stay in the ICU, identifying the lessons we have learned, and identifying areas for future research as well as the future challenges for ICU activity.

Impact of extended lung protection during mechanical ventilation on lung recovery in patients with COVID-19 ARDS: a phase II randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Protective ventilation seems crucial during early Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), but the optimal duration of lung protection remains undefined. High driving pressures (ΔP) and excessive patient ventilatory drive may hinder lung recovery, resulting in self-inflicted lung injury. The hidden nature of the ΔP generated by patient effort complicates the situation further. Our study aimed to assess the feasibility of an extended lung protection strategy that includes a stepwise protocol to control the patient ventilatory drive, assessing its impact on lung recovery.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center randomized study on patients with moderate/severe COVID-19-ARDS with low respiratory system compliance (CRS < 0.6 (mL/Kg)/cmH2O). The intervention group received a ventilation strategy guided by Electrical Impedance Tomography aimed at minimizing ΔP and patient ventilatory drive. The control group received the ARDSNet low-PEEP strategy. The primary outcome was the modified lung injury score (mLIS), a composite measure that integrated daily measurements of CRS, along with oxygen requirements, oxygenation, and X-rays up to day 28. The mLIS score was also hierarchically adjusted for survival and extubation rates.

RESULTS

The study ended prematurely after three consecutive months without patient enrollment, attributed to the pandemic subsiding. The intention-to-treat analysis included 76 patients, with 37 randomized to the intervention group. The average mLIS score up to 28 days was not different between groups (P = 0.95, primary outcome). However, the intervention group showed a faster improvement in the mLIS (1.4 vs. 7.2 days to reach 63% of maximum improvement; P < 0.001), driven by oxygenation and sustained improvement of X-ray (P = 0.001). The intervention group demonstrated a sustained increase in CRS up to day 28 (P = 0.009) and also experienced a shorter time from randomization to room-air breathing (P = 0.02). Survival at 28 days and time until liberation from the ventilator were not different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an individualized PEEP strategy alongside extended lung protection appears viable. Promising secondary outcomes suggested a faster lung recovery, endorsing further examination of this strategy in a larger trial. Clinical trial registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT04497454) on August 04, 2020.

Electrical Impedance Tomography-based Ventilation Patterns in Patients after Major Surgery

Rationale: General anesthesia and mechanical ventilation have negative impacts on the respiratory system, causing heterogeneous distribution of lung aeration, but little is known about the ventilation patterns of postoperative patients and their association with clinical outcomes. Objectives: To clarify the phenotypes of ventilation patterns along a gravitational direction after surgery by using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and to evaluate their association with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and other relevant clinical outcomes. Methods: Adult postoperative patients at high risk for PPCs, receiving mechanical ventilation on ICU admission (N = 128), were prospectively enrolled between November 18, 2021 and July 18, 2022. PPCs were prospectively scored until hospital discharge, and their association with phenotypes of ventilation patterns was studied. The secondary outcomes were the times to wean from mechanical ventilation and oxygen use and the length of ICU stay. Measurements and Main Results: Three phenotypes of ventilation patterns were revealed by EIT: phenotype 1 (32% [n = 41], a predominance of ventral ventilation), phenotype 2 (41% [n = 52], homogeneous ventilation), and phenotype 3 (27% [n = 35], a predominance of dorsal ventilation). The median PPC score was higher in phenotype 1 and phenotype 3 than in phenotype 2. The median time to wean from mechanical ventilation was longer in phenotype 1 versus phenotype 2. The median duration of ICU stay was longer in phenotype 1 versus phenotype 2. The median time to wean from oxygen use was longer in phenotype 1 and phenotype 3 than in phenotype 2. Conclusions: Inhomogeneous ventilation patterns revealed by EIT on ICU admission were associated with PPCs, delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation and oxygen use, and a longer ICU stay.

High vs Low PEEP in Patients With ARDS Exhibiting Intense Inspiratory Effort During Assisted Ventilation: A Randomized Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can potentially modulate inspiratory effort (ΔPes), which is the major determinant of self-inflicted lung injury.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does high PEEP reduce ΔPes in patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS on assisted ventilation?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with Pao2/Fio2 ≤ 200 mm Hg and ΔPes ≥ 10 cm H2O underwent a randomized sequence of four ventilator settings: PEEP = 5 cm H2O or PEEP = 15 cm H2O + synchronous (pressure support ventilation [PSV]) or asynchronous (pressure-controlled intermittent mandatory ventilation [PC-IMV]) inspiratory assistance. ΔPes and respiratory system, lung, and chest wall mechanics were assessed with esophageal manometry and occlusions. PEEP-induced alveolar recruitment and overinflation, lung dynamic strain, and tidal volume distribution were assessed with electrical impedance tomography.

RESULTS

ΔPes was not systematically different at high vs low PEEP (pressure support ventilation: median, 20 cm H2O; interquartile range (IQR), 15-24 cm H2O vs median, 15 cm H2O; IQR, 13-23 cm H2O; P = .24; pressure-controlled intermittent mandatory ventilation: median, 20; IQR, 18-23 vs median, 19; IQR, 17-25; P = .67, respectively). Similarly, respiratory system and transpulmonary driving pressures, tidal volume, lung/chest wall mechanics, and pendelluft extent were not different between study phases. High PEEP resulted in lower or higher ΔPes, respiratory system driving pressure, and transpulmonary driving pressure according to whether this increased or decreased respiratory system compliance (r = -0.85, P < .001; r = -0.75, P < .001; r = -0.80, P < .001, respectively). PEEP-induced changes in respiratory system compliance were driven by its lung component and were dependent on the extent of PEEP-induced alveolar overinflation (r = -0.66, P = .006). High PEEP caused variable recruitment and systematic redistribution of tidal volume toward dorsal lung regions, thereby reducing dynamic strain in ventral areas (pressure support ventilation: median, 0.49; IQR, 0.37-0.83 vs median, 0.96; IQR, 0.62-1.56; P = .003; pressure-controlled intermittent mandatory ventilation: median, 0.65; IQR, 0.42-1.31 vs median, 1.14; IQR, 0.79-1.52; P = .002). All results were consistent during synchronous and asynchronous inspiratory assistance.

INTERPRETATION

The impact of high PEEP on ΔPes and lung stress is interindividually variable according to different effects on the respiratory system and lung compliance resulting from alveolar overinflation. High PEEP may help mitigate the risk of self-inflicted lung injury solely if it increases lung/respiratory system compliance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04241874; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Changes in Respiratory Mechanics With Trunk Inclination Differs Between Patients With ARDS With and Without Obesity

BACKGROUND

Studies investigating the effect of trunk inclination on respiratory mechanics in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS have reported postural differences in partition respiratory mechanics. Compared with more upright positions, the supine-flat position provided lower lung and chest wall elastance, allowing reduced driving pressures and end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure. However, the effect of trunk inclination on respiratory mechanics in patients with obesity and ARDS is uncertain.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the effect of change in posture on partition respiratory mechanics differ between patients with ARDS with and without obesity?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this single-center study, patients with ARDS with and without obesity were randomized into two 15-minute steps in which trunk inclination was changed from semi-recumbent (40° head up) to supine-flat (0°), or vice versa. At the end of each step partition respiratory mechanics, airway opening pressure and arterial blood gases were measured. Paired t test was used to examine respiratory mechanics and blood gas variables in each group.

RESULTS

Forty consecutive patients were enrolled. Twenty were obese (BMI, 38.4 [34.5-42.3]), and 20 were non-obese (BMI, 26.6 [25.2-28.5]). In the patients with obesity, lung and chest wall elastance, driving pressure, inspiratory transpulmonary pressure, Paco2, and ventilatory ratio were lower supine than semi-recumbent (P < .001). Airways resistance was greater supine (P = .006). In the patients without obesity, only chest wall elastance was lower in supine vs semi-recumbent (P < .001).

INTERPRETATION

In mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS and obesity, supine posture provided lower lung and chest wall elastance, and better CO2 clearance, than the semi-recumbent posture.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000794606).

Optimal positive-end expiratory pressure weaning in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a tool in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this review, we discuss the various approaches to weaning PEEP after the acute phase of ARDS.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a paucity of research specifically looking at the differences between PEEP weaning protocols. Data in some populations though, particularly those with elevated BMI, suggest that a physiologic approach to PEEP weaning may be helpful. Use of various tools to optimize PEEP prior to and during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) may allow for improved alveolar recruitment and respiratory outcomes.

SUMMARY

Although further prospective studies are warranted, we should consider using a physiologic approach to PEEP weaning in ARDS rather than a one size fits all model, which is currently the standard used in many clinical trials and throughout many ICUs.

Individualised positive end-expiratory pressure titrated intra-operatively by electrical impedance tomography optimises pulmonary mechanics and reduces postoperative atelectasis: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A protective intra-operative lung ventilation strategy has been widely recommended for laparoscopic surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and its effects during pneumoperitoneum. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has recently been introduced as a bedside tool to monitor lung ventilation in real-time.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesised that individually titrated EIT-PEEP adjusted to the surgical intervention would improve respiratory mechanics during and after surgery.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing.

PATIENTS

Seventy-five patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery under general anaesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned 2 : 1 to individualised EIT-titrated PEEP (PEEPEIT; n = 50) or traditional PEEP 5 cmH2O (PEEP5 cmH2O; n = 25). The PEEPEIT group received individually titrated EIT-PEEP during pneumoperitoneum. The PEEP5 cmH2O group received PEEP of 5 cmH2O during pneumoperitoneum.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was respiratory system compliance during laparoscopic surgery. Secondary outcomes were individualised PEEP levels, oxygenation, respiratory and haemodynamic status, and occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) within 7 days.

RESULTS

Compared with PEEP5 cmH2O, patients who received PEEPEIT had higher respiratory system compliance (mean values during surgery of 44.3 ± 11.3 vs. 31.9 ± 6.6, ml cmH2O-1; P < 0.001), lower driving pressure (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 14.0 ± 2.4 cmH2O; P < 0.001), better oxygenation (mean PaO2/FiO2 427.5 ± 28.6 vs. 366.8 ± 36.4; P = 0.003), and less postoperative atelectasis (19.4 ± 1.6 vs. 46.3 ± 14.8 g of lung tissue mass; P = 0.003). Haemodynamic values did not differ significantly between the groups. No adverse effects were observed during surgery.

CONCLUSION

Individualised PEEP by EIT may improve intra-operative pulmonary mechanics and oxygenation without impairing haemodynamic stability, and decrease postoperative atelectasis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) identifier: ChiCTR2100045166.

Effects of individualised positive end-expiratory pressure titration on respiratory and haemodynamic parameters during the Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum: A randomised crossover physiologic trial

BACKGROUND

The Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum during surgery promotes dorsobasal atelectasis formation, which impairs respiratory mechanics and increases lung stress and strain. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can reduce pulmonary inhomogeneities and preserve end-expiratory lung volume (EELV), resulting in decreased inspiratory strain and improved gas-exchange. The optimal intraoperative PEEP strategy is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of individualised PEEP titration strategies on set PEEP levels and resulting transpulmonary pressures, respiratory mechanics, gas-exchange and haemodynamics during Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised, crossover single-centre physiologic trial.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-six patients receiving robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Randomised sequence of three different PEEP strategies: standard PEEP level of 5 cmH 2 O (PEEP 5 ), PEEP titration targeting a minimal driving pressure (PEEP ΔP ) and oesophageal pressure-guided PEEP titration (PEEP Poeso ) targeting an end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure ( PTP ) of 0 cmH 2 O.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was the PEEP level when set according to PEEP ΔP and PEEP Poeso compared with PEEP of 5 cmH 2 O. Secondary endpoints were respiratory mechanics, lung volumes, gas-exchange and haemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

PEEP levels differed between PEEP ΔP , PEEP Poeso and PEEP5 (18.0 [16.0 to 18.0] vs. 20.0 [18.0 to 24.0]vs. 5.0 [5.0 to 5.0] cmH 2 O; P  < 0.001 each). End-expiratory PTP and lung volume were lower in PEEP ΔP compared with PEEP Poeso ( P  = 0.014 and P  < 0.001, respectively), but driving pressure, lung stress, as well as respiratory system and dynamic elastic power were minimised using PEEP ΔP ( P  < 0.001 each). PEEP ΔP and PEEP Poeso improved gas-exchange, but PEEP Poeso resulted in lower cardiac output compared with PEEP 5 and PEEP ΔP .

CONCLUSION

PEEP ΔP ameliorated the effects of Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum during surgery on end-expiratory PTP and lung volume, decreased driving pressure and dynamic elastic power, as well as improved gas-exchange while preserving cardiac output.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028559, date of registration 2022/04/27). https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028559.

Individualized Positive End-expiratory Pressure Titration Strategies in Superobese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery: Prospective and Nonrandomized Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

Superobesity and laparoscopic surgery promote negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure that causes atelectasis formation and impaired respiratory mechanics. The authors hypothesized that end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure differs between fixed and individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) strategies and mediates their effects on respiratory mechanics, end-expiratory lung volume, gas exchange, and hemodynamic parameters in superobese patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, nonrandomized crossover study including 40 superobese patients (body mass index 57.3 ± 6.4 kg/m2) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, PEEP was set according to (1) a fixed level of 8 cm H2O (PEEPEmpirical), (2) the highest respiratory system compliance (PEEPCompliance), or (3) an end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure targeting 0 cm H2O (PEEPTranspul) at different surgical positioning. The primary endpoint was end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure at different surgical positioning; secondary endpoints were respiratory mechanics, end-expiratory lung volume, gas exchange, and hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

Individualized PEEPCompliance compared to fixed PEEPEmpirical resulted in higher PEEP (supine, 17.2 ± 2.4 vs. 8.0 ± 0.0 cm H2O; supine with pneumoperitoneum, 21.5 ± 2.5 vs. 8.0 ± 0.0 cm H2O; and beach chair with pneumoperitoneum; 15.8 ± 2.5 vs. 8.0 ± 0.0 cm H2O; P < 0.001 each) and less negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure (supine, -2.9 ± 2.0 vs. -10.6 ± 2.6 cm H2O; supine with pneumoperitoneum, -2.9 ± 2.0 vs. -14.1 ± 3.7 cm H2O; and beach chair with pneumoperitoneum, -2.8 ± 2.2 vs. -9.2 ± 3.7 cm H2O; P < 0.001 each). Titrated PEEP, end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure, and lung volume were lower with PEEPCompliance compared to PEEPTranspul (P < 0.001 each). Respiratory system and transpulmonary driving pressure and mechanical power normalized to respiratory system compliance were reduced using PEEPCompliance compared to PEEPTranspul.

CONCLUSIONS

In superobese patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, individualized PEEPCompliance may provide a feasible compromise regarding end-expiratory transpulmonary pressures compared to PEEPEmpirical and PEEPTranspul, because PEEPCompliance with slightly negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressures improved respiratory mechanics, lung volumes, and oxygenation while preserving cardiac output.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: current status and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Although there has been extensive research on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), treatment remains mainly supportive. Recent studies and new ventilatory modes have been proposed to manage patients with ARDS; however, the clinical impact of these strategies remains uncertain and not clearly supported by guidelines. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview and update on ventilatory management for patients with ARDS.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the literature regarding mechanical ventilation in ARDS. A comprehensive overview of the principal settings for the ventilator parameters involved is provided as well as a report on the differences between controlled and assisted ventilation. Additionally, new modes of assisted ventilation are presented and discussed. The evidence concerning rescue strategies, including recruitment maneuvers and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, is analyzed. PubMed, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library were searched up until June 2023, for relevant literature.

EXPERT OPINION

Available evidence for mechanical ventilation in cases of ARDS suggests the use of a personalized mechanical ventilation strategy. Although promising, new modes of assisted mechanical ventilation are still under investigation and guidelines do not recommend rescue strategies as the standard of care. Further research on this topic is required.

The oesophageal balloon for respiratory monitoring in ventilated patients: updated clinical review and practical aspects

There is a well-recognised importance for personalising mechanical ventilation settings to protect the lungs and the diaphragm for each individual patient. Measurement of oesophageal pressure (P oes) as an estimate of pleural pressure allows assessment of partitioned respiratory mechanics and quantification of lung stress, which helps our understanding of the patient's respiratory physiology and could guide individualisation of ventilator settings. Oesophageal manometry also allows breathing effort quantification, which could contribute to improving settings during assisted ventilation and mechanical ventilation weaning. In parallel with technological improvements, P oes monitoring is now available for daily clinical practice. This review provides a fundamental understanding of the relevant physiological concepts that can be assessed using P oes measurements, both during spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation. We also present a practical approach for implementing oesophageal manometry at the bedside. While more clinical data are awaited to confirm the benefits of P oes-guided mechanical ventilation and to determine optimal targets under different conditions, we discuss potential practical approaches, including positive end-expiratory pressure setting in controlled ventilation and assessment of inspiratory effort during assisted modes.

Impact of cardiac output and alveolar ventilation in estimating ventilation/perfusion mismatch in ARDS using electrical impedance tomography

INTRODUCTION

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be used to assess ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch within the lungs. Several methods have been proposed, some of them neglecting the absolute value of alveolar ventilation (V_A) and cardiac output (Q_C). Whether this omission results in acceptable bias is unknown.

METHODS

Pixel-level V/Q maps of 25 ARDS patients were computed once considering (absolute V/Q map) and once neglecting (relative V/Q map) the value of Q_C and V_A. Previously published indices of V/Q mismatch were computed using absolute V/Q maps and relative V/Q maps. Indices computed with relative V/Q maps were compared to their counterparts computed using absolute V/Q maps.

RESULTS

Among 21 patients with ratio of alveolar ventilation to cardiac output (V_A/Q_C) > 1, relative shunt fraction was significantly higher than absolute shunt fraction [37% (24-66) vs 19% (11-46), respectively, p < 0.001], while relative dead space fraction was significantly lower than absolute dead space fraction [40% (22-49) vs 58% (46-84), respectively, p < 0.001]. Relative wasted ventilation was significantly lower than the absolute wasted ventilation [16% (11-27) vs 29% (19-35), respectively, p < 0.001], while relative wasted perfusion was significantly higher than absolute wasted perfusion [18% (11-23) vs 11% (7-19), respectively, p < 0.001]. The opposite findings were retrieved in the four patients with V_A/Q_C < 1.

CONCLUSION

Neglecting cardiac output and alveolar ventilation when assessing V/Q mismatch indices using EIT in ARDS patients results in significant bias, whose direction depends on the V_A/Q_C ratio value.

Advancing Precision Medicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common and life-threatening cause of respiratory failure. Despite decades of research, there are no effective pharmacologic therapies to treat this disease process and mortality remains high. The shortcomings of prior translational research efforts have been increasingly attributed to the heterogeneity of this complex syndrome, which has led to an increased focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the interpersonal heterogeneity of ARDS. This shift in focus aims to move the field towards personalized medicine by defining subgroups of ARDS patients with distinct biology, termed endotypes, to quickly identify patients that are most likely to benefit from mechanism targeted treatments. In this review, we first provide a historical perspective and review the key clinical trials that have advanced ARDS treatment. We then review the key challenges that exist with regards to the identification of treatable traits and the implementation of personalized medicine approaches in ARDS. Lastly, we discuss potential strategies and recommendations for future research that we believe will aid in both understanding the molecular pathogenesis of ARDS and the development of personalized treatment approaches.

The calibration of esophageal pressure by proper esophageal balloon filling volume: A clinical study

Background

Esophageal pressure (Pes) can be used as a reliable surrogate for pleural pressure, especially in critically ill patients requiring personalized mechanical ventilation strategies. How to choose the proper esophageal balloon filling volume and then find the optimal value of esophageal pressure remains a challenge. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of catheters for Pes monitoring in mechanically ventilated patients.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients under pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation were included in this study. Raw esophageal pressure was recorded at different balloon filling volumes. Then, the P-V curves were determined. V _WORK was the intermediate linear section on the end-expiratory P-V curve, and V _BEST was the filling volume providing the maximum difference between Pes at end-inspiration and end-expiration. The raw value of Pes was recorded, and the calibrated values of Pes were calculated by calculating the esophageal wall pressure (Pew) and esophageal elastance (Ees).

Results

Twenty-four series of Pes measurements were performed. The mean V _MIN and V _MAX were 2.17 ± 0.49 ml (range, 1.0-3.0 ml) and 6.79 ± 0.83 ml (range, 5.0-9.0 ml), respectively, whereas V _BEST was 4.69 ± 0.16 ml (range, 2.0-8.0 ml). Ees was 1.35 ± 0.51 cm H₂O/ml (range, 0.26-2.38 cm H₂O/ml). The estimated Pew at V _BEST was 3.16 ± 2.19 cm H₂O (range, 0-7.97 cm H₂O). Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² had a significantly lower V _MAX (5.88 [5.25-6] vs. 7.25 [7-8] ml, p = 0.006) and a significantly lower V _BEST (3.69 [2.5-4.38] vs. 5.19 [4-6] ml, p = 0.036) than patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m². Patients with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ≥ 10 cm H₂O had a lower V _MIN and V _BEST than patients with PEEP < 10 cm H₂O, P > 0.05. Patients in the supine position had a higher esophageal pressure than those in the prone position with the same balloon filling volume.

Conclusions

Calibration of esophageal pressure to identify the best filling volume of esophageal balloon catheters is feasible. The esophageal pressure can be influenced by BMI, PEEP, and position. It is necessary to titrate the optimal inflation volume again when the PEEP values or the positions change.

Effects of PEEP on regional ventilation-perfusion mismatch in the acute respiratory distress syndrome

Purpose

In the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), decreasing Ventilation-Perfusion \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\left( {{{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}} \right)$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch might enhance lung protection. We investigated the regional effects of higher Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) on \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch and their correlation with recruitability. We aimed to verify whether PEEP improves regional \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch, and to study the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

In fifteen patients with moderate and severe ARDS, two PEEP levels (5 and 15 cmH₂O) were applied in random order. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch was assessed by Electrical Impedance Tomography at each PEEP. Percentage of ventilation and perfusion reaching different ranges of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ ratios were analyzed in 3 gravitational lung regions, leading to precise assessment of their distribution throughout different \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch compartments. Recruitability between the two PEEP levels was measured by the recruitment-to-inflation ratio method.

Results

In the non-dependent region, at higher PEEP, ventilation reaching the normal \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ compartment (p = 0.018) increased, while it decreased in the high \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ one (p = 0.023). In the middle region, at PEEP 15 cmH₂O, ventilation and perfusion to the low \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ compartment decreased (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011) and perfusion to normal \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ increased (p = 0.003). In the dependent lung, the percentage of blood flowing through the non-ventilated compartment decreased (p = 0.041). Regional \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch improvement was correlated to lung recruitability and changes in regional tidal volume.

Conclusions

In patients with ARDS, higher PEEP optimizes the distribution of both ventilation (in the non-dependent areas) and perfusion (in the middle and dependent lung). Bedside measure of recruitability is associated with improved \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${{\dot{V}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\dot{V}} {\dot{Q}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\dot{Q}}}$$\end{document}V˙/Q˙ mismatch.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-04085-y.

Protective ventilation in a pig model of acute lung injury: timing is as important as pressure

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a significant risk for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Management of the patient with ARDS is currently dominated by the use of low tidal volume mechanical ventilation, the presumption being that this mitigates overdistension (OD) injury to the remaining normal lung tissue. Evidence exists, however, that it may be more important to avoid cyclic recruitment and derecruitment (RD) of lung units, although the relative roles of OD and RD in VILI remain unclear. Forty pigs had a heterogeneous lung injury induced by Tween instillation and were randomized into four groups (n = 10 each) with higher (↑) or lower (↓) levels of OD and/or RD imposed using airway pressure release ventilation (APRV). OD was increased by setting inspiratory airway pressure to 40 cmH2O and lessened with 28 cmH2O. RD was attenuated using a short duration of expiration (∼0.45 s) and increased with a longer duration (∼1.0 s). All groups developed mild ARDS following injury. RD ↑ OD↑ caused the greatest degree of lung injury as determined by [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio (226.1 ± 41.4 mmHg). RD ↑ OD↓ ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]= 333.9 ± 33.1 mmHg) and RD ↓ OD↑ ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] = 377.4 ± 43.2 mmHg) were both moderately injurious, whereas RD ↓ OD↓ ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] = 472.3 ± 22.2 mmHg; P < 0.05) was least injurious. Both tidal volume and driving pressure were essentially identical in the RD ↑ OD↓ and RD ↓ OD↑ groups. We, therefore, conclude that considerations of expiratory time may be at least as important as pressure for safely ventilating the injured lung.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a large animal model of ARDS, recruitment/derecruitment caused greater VILI than overdistension, whereas both mechanisms together caused severe lung damage. These findings suggest that eliminating cyclic recruitment and derecruitment during mechanical ventilation should be a preeminent management goal for the patient with ARDS. The airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) mode of mechanical ventilation can achieve this if delivered with an expiratory duration (TLow) that is brief enough to prevent derecruitment at end expiration.

Obesity Increases In-Hospital Mortality of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients Undergoing Open Surgical Repair: A Retrospective Study in the Chinese Population

Objective

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and the role of the obesity paradox in cardiovascular surgery remains controversial. In this study, we redefined obesity according to the Chinese criteria and examined the relationship between obesity and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) undergoing open surgical repair.

Materials and Methods

A total of 289 patients with AAD (between 2014 and 2016) were divided into the non-obese group and obese group for correlation analysis, general information, demographic factors, blood biochemistry, surgical details, and complications, which were used as covariates. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and any differences in survival were evaluated with a stratified log-rank test. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the effect and interaction of obesity on surgical mortality.

Results

All the 289 patients had a mean age of 48.64 (IQR 44.00–55.00) and 74.39% were men. Of the 289 patients, 228 were non-obese (78.89%) and 61 were obese (21.11%). Patients with obesity were younger and more prone to unstable blood pressure [systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)], preoperative hypoxemia and delirium, prolonged operative time, and surgical wound deep infection (p < 0.05). In the fully adjusted model, we observed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with obesity after fine-tuning other covariates including age and sex (HR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.03 to 6.80; p = 0.042). The interaction suggested that obesity was more likely to cause death in elderly patients (age ≥ 60), although it was more common in younger patients (test for interaction, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Obesity, interacting with age, increases the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AAD undergoing open surgical repair. Although more verification is needed, we believe these findings provide further evidence for the treatment of AAD.

Right Ventricular Loading by Lung Inflation During Controlled Mechanical Ventilation

RATIONALE

The inspiratory rise in transpulmonary pressure during mechanical ventilation increases right ventricular (RV) afterload. One mechanism is that when alveolar pressure (Palv) exceeds left atrial pressure, West zone 1 or 2 (non-zone 3) conditions develop and Palv becomes the downstream pressure opposing RV ejection. The tidal volume (VT) at which this impact on the RV becomes hemodynamically evident is not well established.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the magnitude of RV afterload and prevalence of significant non-zone 3 conditions during inspiration across the range of VT currently prescribed in clinical practice.

METHODS

In post-operative passively ventilated cardiac surgery patients, we measured right atrial, RV, pulmonary artery, pulmonary artery occlusion (Ppao), plateau (Pplat), and esophageal (Peso) pressures during short periods of controlled ventilation with VT increments ranging between 2-12 ml/kg PBW. The inspiratory increase in RV afterload was evaluated hemodynamically and echocardiographically. The prevalence of non-zone 3 conditions was determined using 2 definitions based on changes in Peso, Ppao and Pplat.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were studied. There was a linear relationship between VT, driving pressure and transpulmonary pressure and the inspiratory increase in the RV isovolumetric contraction pressure. Echocardiographically, increasing VT was associated with a greater inspiratory increase in markers of afterload and a decrease in stroke volume. Non-zone 3 conditions were present in >50% of subjects at a VT ≥ 6 ml/kg PBW.

CONCLUSIONS

In the range of VT currently prescribed, RV afterload increases with increasing VT. A mechanical ventilation strategy that limits VT and driving pressure is cardio-protective.

The Impact of Obesity in Critical Illness

The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide. Adipose tissue exerts anatomic and physiological effects with significant implications for critical illness. Changes in respiratory mechanics cause expiratory flow limitation, atelectasis, and V̇/Q̇ mismatch with resultant hypoxemia. Altered work of breathing and obesity hypoventilation syndrome may cause hypercapnia. Challenging mask ventilation and peri-intubation hypoxemia may complicate intubation. Patients with obesity are at increased risk of ARDS and should receive lung-protective ventilation based on predicted body weight. Increased positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), coupled with appropriate patient positioning, may overcome the alveolar decruitment and intrinsic PEEP caused by elevated baseline pleural pressure; however, evidence is insufficient regarding the impact of high PEEP strategies on outcomes. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be safely performed in patients with obesity. Fluid management should account for increased prevalence of chronic heart and kidney disease, expanded blood volume, and elevated acute kidney injury risk. Medication pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics may be altered by hydrophobic drug distribution to adipose depots and comorbid liver or kidney disease. Obesity is associated with increased risk of VTE and infection; appropriate dosing of prophylactic anticoagulation and early removal of indwelling catheters may decrease these risks. Obesity is associated with improved critical illness survival in some studies. It is unclear whether this reflects a protective effect or limitations inherent to observational research. Obesity is associated with increased risk of intubation and death in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ongoing molecular studies of adipose tissue may deepen our understanding of how obesity impacts critical illness pathophysiology.

Personalized Positive End-Expiratory Pressure and Tidal Volume in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Bedside Physiology-Based Approach

OBJECTIVES:

Positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume may have a key role for the outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The variety of acute respiratory distress syndrome phenotypes implies personalization of those settings. To guide personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume, physicians need to have an in-depth understanding of the physiologic effects and bedside methods to measure the extent of these effects. In the present article, a step-by-step physiologic approach to select personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume at the bedside is described.

DATA SOURCES:

The present review is a critical reanalysis of the traditional and latest literature on the topic.

STUDY SELECTION:

Relevant clinical and physiologic studies on positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume setting were reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Reappraisal of the available physiologic and clinical data.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Positive end-expiratory pressure is aimed at stabilizing alveolar recruitment, thus reducing the risk of volutrauma and atelectrauma. Bedside assessment of the potential for lung recruitment is a preliminary step to recognize patients who benefit from higher positive end-expiratory pressure level. In patients with higher potential for lung recruitment, positive end-expiratory pressure could be selected by physiology-based methods balancing recruitment and overdistension. In patients with lower potential for lung recruitment or in shock, positive end-expiratory pressure could be maintained in the 5–8 cm H₂O range. Tidal volume induces alveolar recruitment and improves gas exchange. After setting personalized positive end-expiratory pressure, tidal volume could be based on lung inflation (collapsed lung size) respecting safety thresholds of static and dynamic lung stress. Positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume could be kept stable for some hours in order to allow early recognition of changes in the clinical course of acute respiratory distress syndrome but also frequently reassessed to avoid crossing of safety thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS:

The setting of personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume based on sound physiologic bedside measures may represent an effective strategy for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.

A rational approach on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe hypoxemia: advanced technology is not a panacea

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a helpful intervention in patients with severe refractory hypoxemia either because mechanical ventilation cannot ensure adequate oxygenation or because lung protective ventilation is not feasible. Since ECMO is a highly invasive procedure with several, potentially devastating complications and its implementation is complex and expensive, simpler and less invasive therapeutic options should be first exploited. Low tidal volume and driving pressure ventilation, prone position, neuromuscular blocking agents and individualized ventilation based on transpulmonary pressure measurements have been demonstrated to successfully treat the vast majority of mechanically ventilated patients with severe hypoxemia. Veno-venous ECMO has a place in the small portion of severely hypoxemic patients in whom these strategies fail. A combined analysis of recent ARDS trials revealed that ECMO was used in only 2.15% of patients (n = 145/6736). Nevertheless, ECMO use has sharply increased in the last decade, raising questions regarding its thoughtful use. Such a policy could be harmful both for patients as well as for the ECMO technique itself. This narrative review attempts to describe together the practical approaches that can be offered to the sickest patients before going to ECMO, as well as the rationale and the limitations of ECMO. The benefit and the drawbacks associated with ECMO use along with a direct comparison with less invasive therapeutic strategies will be analyzed.

Individualized Multimodal Physiologic Approach to Mechanical Ventilation in Patients With Obesity and Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Reduced Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utilization

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether individualized optimization of mechanical ventilation through the implementation of a lung rescue team could reduce the need for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with obesity and acute respiratory distress syndrome and decrease ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective study at the Massachusetts General Hospital from June 2015 to June 2019.

PATIENTS

All patients with obesity and acute respiratory distress syndrome who were referred for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation due to hypoxemic respiratory failure.

INTERVENTION

Evaluation and individualized optimization of mechanical ventilation by the lung rescue team before the decision to proceed with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The control group was those patients managed according to hospital standard of care without lung rescue team evaluation.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

All 20 patients (100%) allocated in the control group received venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, whereas 10 of 13 patients (77%) evaluated by the lung rescue team did not receive venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Patients who underwent lung rescue team evaluation had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.03) and shorter ICU length of stay (p = 0.03). There were no differences between groups in in-hospital, 30-day, or 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In this hypothesis-generating study, individualized optimization of mechanical ventilation of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and obesity by a lung rescue team was associated with a decrease in the utilization of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay. Mortality was not modified by the lung rescue team intervention.

Weaning patients with obesity from ventilatory support

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity prevalence is increasing in most countries in the world. In the United States, 42% of the population is obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30) and 9.2% is obese class III (BMI > 40). One of the greatest challenges in critically ill patients with obesity is the optimization of mechanical ventilation. The goal of this review is to describe respiratory physiologic changes in patients with obesity and discuss possible mechanical ventilation strategies to improve respiratory function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individualized mechanical ventilation based on respiratory physiology after a decremental positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) trial improves oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. In a recent study, mortality of patients with respiratory failure and obesity was reduced by about 50% when mechanical ventilation was associated with the use of esophageal manometry and electrical impedance tomography (EIT).

SUMMARY

Obesity greatly alters the respiratory system mechanics causing atelectasis and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. At present, novel strategies to ventilate patients with obesity based on individual respiratory physiology showed to be superior to those based on standard universal tables of mechanical ventilation. Esophageal manometry and EIT are essential tools to systematically assess respiratory system mechanics, safely adjust relatively high levels of PEEP, and improve chances for successful weaning.

Pleural Pressure Targeted Positive Airway Pressure Improves Cardiopulmonary Function in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With Obesity

BACKGROUND

Increased pleural pressure affects the mechanics of breathing of people with class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²).

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the acute effects of CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure on cardiopulmonary function in spontaneously breathing patients with class III obesity?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We enrolled six participants with BMI within normal range (control participants, group I) and 12 patients with class III obesity (group II) divided into subgroups: IIa, BMI of 40 to 50 kg/m²; and IIb, BMI of ≥ 50 kg/m². The study was performed in two phases: in phase 1, participants were supine and breathing spontaneously at atmospheric pressure, and in phase 2, participants were supine and breathing with CPAP titrated to match their end-expiratory esophageal pressure in the absence of CPAP. Respiratory mechanics, esophageal pressure, and hemodynamic data were collected, and right heart function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

The levels of CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure in group I, subgroup IIa, and subgroup IIb were 6 ± 2 cmH₂O, 12 ± 3 cmH₂O, and 18 ± 4 cmH₂O, respectively. In both subgroups IIa and IIb, CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure decreased minute ventilation (IIa, P = .03; IIb, P = .03), improved peripheral oxygen saturation (IIa, P = .04; IIb, P = .02), improved homogeneity of tidal volume distribution between ventral and dorsal lung regions (IIa, P = .22; IIb, P = .03), and decreased work of breathing (IIa, P < .001; IIb, P = .003) with a reduction in both the work spent to initiate inspiratory flow as well as tidal ventilation. In five hypertensive participants with obesity, BP decreased to normal range, without impairment of right heart function.

INTERPRETATION

In ambulatory patients with class III obesity, CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure decreased work of breathing and improved respiratory mechanics while maintaining hemodynamic stability, without impairing right heart function.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02523352; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

How to ventilate obese patients in the ICU

Obesity is an important risk factor for major complications, morbidity and mortality related to intubation procedures and ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). The fall in functional residual capacity promotes airway closure and atelectasis formation. This narrative review presents the impact of obesity on the respiratory system and the key points to optimize airway management, noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation in ICU patients with obesity. Non-invasive strategies should first optimize body position with reverse Trendelenburg position or sitting position. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is considered as the first-line therapy in patients with obesity having a postoperative acute respiratory failure. Positive pressure pre-oxygenation before the intubation procedure is the method of reference. The use of videolaryngoscopy has to be considered by adequately trained intensivists, especially in patients with several risk factors. Regarding mechanical ventilation in patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), low tidal volume (6 ml/kg of predicted body weight) and moderate to high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), with careful recruitment maneuver in selected patients, are advised. Prone positioning is a therapeutic choice in severe ARDS patients with obesity. Prophylactic NIV should be considered after extubation to prevent re-intubation. If obesity increases mortality and risk of ICU admission in the overall population, the impact of obesity on ICU mortality is less clear and several confounding factors have to be taken into account regarding the “obesity ICU paradox”.