A NEW INDICATOR TO DETERMINE THE OPTIMAL PEEP

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (5) , 234-238
Abstract
To elucidate the optimal PEEP [positive end-expiratory pressure] for respiratory treatment, respiratory and hemodynamic studies were performed on 12 normovolemic patients with ARDS [adult respiratory distress syndrome] for various levels of PEEP (PEEP = 0, 5, 10, 20 cm H2O). Suter''s best PEEP (maximal O2 transport should be taken as a reference for optimal PEEP) cannot be used in practice because O2 transport is usually maximal in ZEEP (PEEP = 0) and changes with the alteration of FIO2 [inspired O2 fraction]. Intrapulmonary non-shunt flow (Qt-Qs) is proposed as a new indicator to determine the optimal PEEP. The level of PEEP to achieve the maximal intrapulmonary non-shunt flow must be such that the decrease in intrapulmonary shunt flow is attained with minimal decrease of cardiac output.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: