THE EFFECTS OF THERAPY ON PULMONARY MECHANICS IN HUMAN PULMONARY EDEMA*

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In 6 patients with acute pulmonary edema, the effects upon pulmonary compliance and pulmonary resistance of positive pressure breathing, intravenous aminophylline, and intravenous morphine have been assessed. During positive pressure breathing pulmonary compliance rose acutely by an average of 36%, but fell to or toward control levels immediately following cessation of positive pressure breathing. No consistent change in pulmonary resistance accompanied positive pressure breathing. Intravenous aminophylline (0.5 g) was followed by a significant and prompt increase in pulmonary resistance in 3 patients with acute pulmonary edema. Intravenous morphine (10 mg) had no significant effect on either pulmonary compliance or pulmonary resistance in the 3 pulmonary edema patients studied.