title: On the interaction between respiratory compartments during passive expiration in ARDS patients.
abstract: Relaxed expiratory volume-time profile has been frequently analysed by fitting exponential functions of time to one- or two-compartment models. In the latter case, the two exponential constants are assumed as representing the time constants of both compartments. Least-square fittings on the experimental data of five consecutive mechanically ventilated supine patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were performed using rate-constants (flow/volume ratio) as parameters in order to obtain the model matching. Passive expiratory volume-time curves were recorded under PEEP = 0 and 13.6 +/- 3.3 S.D. cmH2O conditions. Model matching was optimal with significant, reliable parameter values. As a result, the use of a PEEP in ARDS patients: (a) delayed expiration; (b) decreased the percentage initial volume contribution of the slow-emptying compartment; and, (c) modified the interaction between compartments. The volume-time profile of the second compartment was found to increase at the beginning of expiration, and, then, progressively decayed towards zero, showing a maximum, although the overall curve decreased throughout expiration.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Respiratory Pathophysiology, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, V.le Morgagni 85, I-50134, Italy. gianlucachelucci@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Gian-Luca
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Chelucci
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Locchi
authors.forename: Walter A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Zin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D045853:Exhalation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D010991:Plethysmography / Q000379:methods; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors