Abstract
Low tidal volume (VT 6 ml/predicted body weight) pressure limited (plateau pressure <30 cmH2O) protective ventilation as proposed by the ARDS Network was associated with an improvement in mortality and is considered the gold standard for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ventilation strategies. Limiting plateau pressure minimizes ventilator-induced lung injury by reducing the trans-pulmonary pressure, which is the real alveolar distending pressure. However, in the presence of chest wall elastance impairment, as observed in obese patients, plateau pressure underestimates the trans-pulmonary pressure and derecrutiment at low distending pressure could occur. Moreover, low tidal volume to keep plateau pressure <30 cmH2O could be associated with large differences compared to measured total lung capacity. Quantitative bedside techniques that are able to measure lung volumes together with trans-pulmonary pressure could expand our chances to tailor mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients.
Highlights
Low tidal volume (VT 6 ml/predicted body weight) pressure limited protective ventilation as proposed by the ARDS Network was associated with an improvement in mortality and is considered the gold standard for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ventilation strategies
In the previous issue of Critical Care, Mattingley and colleagues [1] interestingly demonstrated that 6 ml/kg protective ventilation to keep a plateau pressure (Pplat)
The ARMA study [6] unequivocally demonstrated that protective mechanical ventilation adopting a VT of 6 ml/ predicted body weight (PBW) versus 12 ml/PBW was associated with a 22% reduction in ARDS mortality
Summary
Low tidal volume (VT 6 ml/predicted body weight) pressure limited (plateau pressure
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