Effects of continuous bed rotation and prolonged mechanical ventilation on healthy, adult baboons.
OBJECTIVE
To study, in a model of prolonged mechanical ventilation, the role of continuous bed rotation on lung function and pathology.


METHODS
Prospective animal study.


METHODS
Animal research laboratory.


METHODS
Healthy adult baboons (Papio cynocephalus), anesthetized with ketamine, sedated, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated for 11 days, and monitored with pulmonary and peripheral arterial catheters.


METHODS
Animals were divided into two experimental groups: a) mechanical ventilation alone (control, n = 7); and b) mechanical ventilation with continuous bed rotation therapy to 45 degrees (continuous rotation group, n = 5). Mechanical ventilation was provided for 11 days with an FIO2 of 0.21 and tidal volume of 12 mL/ kg. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Nursing care procedures, antacids, enteral feeding, and prophylactic antibiotics were administered.


RESULTS
Measurements of hemodynamics, pulmonary functions, lung volumes, arterial blood gases, and chest radiographs were done daily. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed at days 0, 7, and 11. There were no significant changes in hemodynamics, gas exchange, or pulmonary functions during the study period in either group. Microbiological surveillance cultures were negative in both experimental groups. In the control group after 7 days, six of seven animals developed patchy atelectasis; by day 11, two of seven animals demonstrated persistent radiologic abnormalities. Bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils were significantly increased in control animals at days 7 and 11. Lung pathology in the control group showed areas of bronchiolitis, with surrounding bronchopneumonia in five of seven animals. None of the continuous rotation animals showed any radiologic or morphologic abnormalities.


CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged mechanical ventilation in the control group resulted in atelectasis, increased concentrations of bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils, and mild pneumonitis. These effects were not associated with changes in lung volumes, oxygenation, or hemodynamic parameters. Continuous bed rotation helped to prevent these abnormalities.
Anzueto
A
A
Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
Peters
J I
JI
Seidner
S R
SR
Cox
W J
WJ
Schroeder
W
W
Coalson
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards*; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012399:Rotation; D013990:Tidal Volume; D013997:Time Factors