Use of dynamic compliance for open lung positive end-expiratory pressure titration in an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
We tested whether the continuous monitoring of dynamic compliance could become a useful bedside tool for detecting the beginning of collapse of a fully recruited lung.


METHODS
Prospective laboratory animal investigation.


METHODS
Clinical physiology research laboratory, University of Uppsala, Sweden.


METHODS
Eight pigs submitted to repeated lung lavages.


METHODS
Lung recruitment maneuver, the effect of which was confirmed by predefined oxygenation, lung mechanics, and computed tomography scan criteria, was followed by a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) reduction trial in a volume control mode with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg. Every 10 mins, PEEP was reduced in steps of 2 cm H2O starting from 24 cm H2O. During PEEP reduction, lung collapse was defined by the maximum dynamic compliance value after which a first measurable decrease occurred. Open lung PEEP according to dynamic compliance was then defined as the level of PEEP before the point of collapse. This value was compared with oxygenation (Pao2) and CT scans.


RESULTS
Pao2 and dynamic compliance were monitored continuously, whereas computed tomography scans were obtained at the end of each pressure step. Collapse defined by dynamic compliance occurred at a PEEP of 14 cm H2O. This level coincided with the oxygenation-based collapse point when also shunt started to increase and occurred one step before the percentage of nonaerated tissue on the computed tomography exceeded 5%. Open lung PEEP was thus at 16 cm H2O, the level at which oxygenation and computed tomography scan confirmed a fully open, not yet collapsed lung condition.


CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental model, the continuous monitoring of dynamic compliance identified the beginning of collapse after lung recruitment. These findings were confirmed by oxygenation and computed tomography scans. This method might become a valuable bedside tool for identifying the level of PEEP that prevents end-expiratory collapse.
Suarez-Sipmann
Fernando
F
Intensive Care Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Capio, Avenida de los Reyes Católicos 2, 28010 Madrid, Spain. fsuarez@fjd.es
Böhm
Stephan H
SH
Tusman
Gerardo
G
Pesch
Tanja
T
Thamm
Oliver
O
Reissmann
Hajo
H
Reske
Andreas
A
Magnusson
Anders
A
Hedenstierna
Göran
G
D000403:Airway Resistance; D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002302:Cardiac Output; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011669:Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013552:Swine; D013990:Tidal Volume; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014655:Vascular Resistance