Do changes in lung compliance allow the determination of "optimal PEEP"?
Falke, K.J.
Der Anaesthesist 29(4): 165-168
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-2417 PMID: 6999931 Document Number: 165491
In 7 mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung disease 5-15 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) increased arterial O2 tension in all cases; quasistatic lung and total respiratory compliance was improved in 5. Two patients in whom the disturbance of pulmonary gas exchange was associated with very stiff lungs (lung compliance below 0.041/cm H2O) demonstrated falls in compliance with each level of PEEP, and in both cases circulatory support with catecholamines was required. Both patients had to be ventilated with PEEP despite the decrease in compliance. The concept of determining optimal PEEP could not be applied under these circumstances.