Generation of a single pulmonary pressure-volume curve does not durably affect oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

A novel method for assessment of airway opening pressure without the need for low-flow insufflation

BACKGROUND

Airway opening pressure (AOP) detection and measurement are essential for assessing respiratory mechanics and adapting ventilation. We propose a novel approach for AOP assessment during volume assist control ventilation at a usual constant-flow rate of 60 L/min.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the conductive pressure (Pcond) method, which compare the Pcond-defined on the airway pressure waveform as the difference between the airway pressure level at which an abrupt change in slope occurs at the beginning of insufflation and PEEP-to resistive pressure for AOP detection and measurement, and to compare its respiratory and hemodynamic tolerance to the standard low-flow insufflation method.

METHODS

The proof-of-concept of the Pcond method was assessed on mechanical (lung simulator) and physiological (cadavers) bench models. Its diagnostic performance was evaluated in 213 patients, using the standard low-flow insufflation method as a reference. In 45 patients, the respiratory and hemodynamic tolerance of the Pcond method was compared with the standard low-flow method.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bench assessments validated the Pcond method proof-of-concept. Sensitivity and specificity of the Pcond method for AOP detection were 93% and 91%, respectively. AOP obtained by Pcond and standard low-flow methods strongly correlated (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Changes in SpO2 were significantly lower during Pcond than during standard method (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Determination of Pcond during constant-flow assist control ventilation may permit to easily and safely detect and measure AOP.

Do newer monitors of exhaled gases, mechanics, and esophageal pressure add value?

The current understanding of lung mechanics and ventilator-induced lung injury suggests that patients who have acute respiratory distress syndrome should be ventilated in such a way as to minimize alveolar over-distension and repeated alveolar collapse. Clinical trials have used such lung protective strategies and shown a reduction in mortality; however, there is data that these "one-size fits all" strategies do not work equally well in all patients. This article reviews other methods that may prove useful in monitoring for potential lung injury: exhaled breath condensate, pressure-volume curves, and esophageal manometry. The authors explore the concepts, benefits, difficulties, and relevant clinical trials of each.

Year in review 2006: Critical Care--Respirology

The present article summarises and places in context original research articles from the respirology section published in Critical Care in 2006. Twenty papers were identified and were grouped by topic into those addressing acute lung injury and ventilator-induced lung injury, those examining high-frequency oscillation, those studying pulmonary physiology and mechanics, those assessing tracheostomy, and those exploring other topics.

What is a pressure-volume curve?

The pressure-volume (PV) curve is a physiological tool proposed for diagnostic or monitoring purposes during mechanical ventilation of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The reduction in compliance measured by the PV curve and the different inflection points on the curve are considered interesting markers of the severity of and the levels of opening and closing pressures. Tracing a curve, however, may in itself influence the degree of opening or distension of the lung, and interpretation of the curve has to take this effect into account. In some individuals tracing the curve may even have moderate hemodynamic effects. Fortunately, on average, most of these effects are transient or negligible and do not invalidate the PV curve measurement.