Intrinsic Positive End-expiratory Pressure Research Articles

Digital Twins of Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Patients Suggest a Mechanistic Basis for Success and Failure of Noninvasive Ventilation

Objectives: To clarify the mechanistic basis for the success or failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). Design: We created digital twins based on mechanistic computational models of individual patients with AHRF. Setting: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Systems Medicine Research Network. Subjects: We used individual patient data from 30 moderate-to-severe AHRF patients who had failed high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy and subsequently underwent a trial of NIV. Interventions: Using the digital twins, we evaluated lung mechanics, quantified the separate contributions of external support and patient respiratory effort to lung injury indices, and investigated their relative impact on NIV success or failure. Measurements and Main Results: In digital twins of patients who successfully completed/failed NIV, after 2 hours of the trial the mean (sd) of the change in total lung stress was –10.9 (6.2)/–0.35 (3.38) cm H2O, mechanical power –13.4 (12.2)/–1.0 (5.4) J/min, and total lung strain 0.02 (0.24)/0.16 (0.30). In the digital twins, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) produced by HFNC was similar to that set during NIV. In digital twins of patients who failed NIV vs. those who succeeded, intrinsic PEEP was 3.5 (0.6) vs. 2.3 (0.8) cm H2O, inspiratory pressure support was 8.3 (5.9) vs. 22.3 (7.2) cm H2O, and tidal volume was 10.9 (1.2) vs. 9.4 (1.8) mL/kg. In digital twins, successful NIV increased respiratory system compliance +25.0 (16.4) mL/cm H2O, lowered inspiratory muscle pressure –9.7 (9.6) cm H2O, and reduced the contribution of patient spontaneous breathing to total driving pressure by 57.0%. Conclusions: In digital twins of AHRF patients, successful NIV improved lung mechanics, lowering respiratory effort and indices associated with lung injury. NIV failed in patients for whom only low levels of positive inspiratory pressure support could be applied without risking patient self-inflicted lung injury due to excessive tidal volumes.

Differences of ventilatory muscle recruitment and work of breathing in COPD and interstitial lung disease during exercise: a comprehensive evaluation.

COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are significant chronic respiratory disorders, impacting quality of life. Respiratory muscle roles and differences remain not entirely clear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the degree of recruitment of the respiratory muscles and the work of breathing in COPD and ILD during exercise. We compared the sensory-mechanical relationships in COPD, ILD and healthy controls (n=20 each). They performed pulmonary function, noninvasive and invasive respiratory muscle strength, surface electromyography and work-of-breathing assessments. COPD and ILD did not show lower static muscle strength compared to controls, but did show poor performance in the exercise test with increased transdiaphragmatic pressure (P di). In ILD, there was a higher increase in oesophageal pressure and a lower gastric pressure (P ga) on inspiration; in COPD, there was a significant increase in P ga on inspiration. In ILD, there is greater recruitment of accessory inspiratory muscles, whereas in COPD, there is marked use of both inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The neuromechanical inefficiency (increased neural respiratory drive without the corresponding tidal volume) was found in both diseases. In COPD, there is a considerable increase in elastic work to overcome intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) and expiratory work of breathing, whereas in ILD, non-PEEPi elastic work of breathing is the highest part of the total work of breathing. Early and increased activity of the respiratory muscles and work-of-breathing components significantly contribute to dyspnoea, exercise intolerance and neuromechanical inefficiency of ventilation in COPD and ILD. The mechanisms of P di generation were different between diseases.

Calculating intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure from end-expiratory flow in mechanically ventilated children-A study in physical models of the pediatric respiratory system.

The high resistance of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) exposes mechanically ventilated children to a particular risk of developing intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP). To date, determining iPEEP at the bedside requires the execution of special maneuvers, interruption of ventilation, or additional invasive measurements. Outside such interventions, iPEEP may be unrecognized. To develop a new approach for continuous calculation of iPEEP based on routinely measured end-expiratory flow and ETT resistance. First, the resistance of pediatric ETTs with inner diameter from 2.0 to 4.5 mm were empirically determined. Second, during simulated ventilation, iPEEP was either calculated from the measured end-expiratory flow and ETT's resistance (iPEEPcalc ) or determined with a hold-maneuver available at the ventilator (iPEEPhold ). Both estimates were compared with the end-expiratory pressure measured at the ETT's tip (iPEEPdirect ) by means of absolute deviations. End-expiratory flow and iPEEP increased with decreasing ETT inner diameter and with higher respiratory rates. iPEEPcalc and iPEEPhold were comparable and indicated good correspondence with iPEEPdirect . The largest absolute mean deviation was 1.0 cm H2 O for iPEEPcalc and 1.1 cm H2 O for iPEEPhold . We conclude that iPEEP can be determined from routinely measured variables and predetermined ETT resistance, which has to be confirmed in the clinical settings. As long as this algorithm is not available in pediatric ICU ventilators, nomograms are provided for estimating the prevailing iPEEP from end-expiratory flow.

Respiratory mechanics analysis of inspiratory trigger in mechanical ventilation

To find out the circuit pressure and flow at the trigger point by observing the characteristics of the inspiratory trigger waveform of the ventilator, confirm the intra-alveolar pressure as the index to reflect the effort of the trigger according to the working principle of the ventilator combined with the laws of respiratory mechanics, establish the related mathematical formula, and analyze its influencing factors and logical relationship. A test-lung was connected to the circuit in a PB840 ventilator and a SV600 ventilator set in pressure-support mode. The positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was set at 5 cmH2O (1 cmH2O ≈ 0.098 kPa), and the wall of test-lung was pulled outwards till an inspiratory was effectively triggered separately in slow, medium, fast power, and separately in flow-trigger mode (sensitivity VTrig 3 L/min, 5 L/min) and pressure-trigger mode (sensitivity PTrig 2 cmH2O, 4 cmH2O). By adjusting the scale of the curve in the ventilator display, the loop pressure and flow corresponding to the trigger point under different triggering conditions were observed. Taking intraalveolar pressure (Pa) as the research object, the Pa (called Pa-T) needed to reach the effective trigger time (TT) was analyzed in the method of respiratory mechanics, and the amplitude of pressure change (ΔP) and the time span (ΔT) of Pa during triggering were also analyzed. (1) Corresponding relationship between pressure and flow rate at TT time: in flow-trigger mode, in slow, medium and fast trigger, the inhalation flow rate was VTrig, and the circuit pressure was separately PEEP, PEEP-Pn, and PEEP-Pn' (Pn, Pn', being the decline range, and Pn' > Pn). In pressure-trigger mode, the inhalation flow rate was 1 L/min (PB840 ventilator) or 2 L/min (SV600 ventilator), and the circuit pressure was PEEP-PTrig. (2) Calculation of Pa-T: in flow-trigger mode, in slow trigger: Pa-T = PEEP-VTrigR (R represented airway resistance). In medium trigger: Pa-T = PEEP-Pn-VTrigR. In fast trigger: Pa-T = PEEP-Pn'-VTrigR. In pressure-trigger mode: Pa-T = PEEP-PTrig-1R. (3) Calculation of ΔP: in flow trigger mode, in flow trigger: without intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi), ΔP = VTrigR; with PEEPi, ΔP = PEEPi-PEEP+VTrigR. In medium trigger: without PEEPi, ΔP = Pn+VTrigR; with PEEPi, ΔP = PEEPi-PEEP+Pn+VTrigR. In fast trigger: without PEEPi, ΔP = Pn'+VTrigR; with PEEPi, ΔP = PEEPi-PEEP+Pn'+VTrigR. In pressure-trigger mode, without PEEPi, ΔP = PTrig+1R; with PEEPi, ΔP = PEEPi-PEEP+PTrig+1R. (4) Pressure time change rate of Pa (FP): FP = ΔP/ΔT. In the same ΔP, the shorter the ΔT, the greater the triggering ability. Similarly, in the same ΔT, the bigger the ΔP, the greater the triggering ability. The FP could better reflect the patient's triggering ability. The patient's inspiratory effort is reflected by three indicators: the minimum intrapulmonary pressure required for triggering, the pressure span of intrapulmonary pressure, and the pressure time change rate of intrapulmonary pressure, and formula is established, which can intuitively present the logical relationship between inspiratory trigger related factors and facilitate clinical analysis.

SMART Trigger versus Flow and Pressure trigger performance during auto-PEEP

Background Intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) is a common problem in mechanically ventilated patients, which can lead to adverse effects on patients comfort, hemodynamics, lung mechanics and gas exchange. Triggering systems play a crucial role in the delivery of mechanical ventilation, and advancements in smart triggering technology aim to optimize patient-ventilator synchrony. This bench study aims to compare the performance of the novel SMART Trigger to traditional pressure and flow triggers in the context of auto-PEEP. Methods A lung model simulating severe obstructive pattern with high compliance (80 ml/cmH2O) and high resistance 30 cmH2O/L/s was connected to the Panther 5 ventilator (Origin Medical, California, USA). The mode was set at Volume Controlled with a tidal volume of 700 ml and mandatory breath per min (BPM) of 10/min and Inspiratory time of 2 seconds to intentionally create auto-PEEP. Simulated spontaneous breaths set at 20 BPM with increasing muscle pressure (Pmus) from -1 to maximum of -25 or till full trigger of all breaths. Three different triggering systems were evaluated: SMART Trigger (ST sensitivity 1 to 7), pressure trigger (-1 cmH2O), and flow trigger (1 l/min). The range of auto-PEEP levels induced increased incrementally with the increase in the respiratory rate ranging from 3 cmH2O for 10 BPM, 8 for 15 BPM, to 13 for 20 BPM. The following parameters were assessed for each triggering system: trigger sensitivity (defined as the number of breaths triggered above the mandatory breaths), and the trigger response time (time it takes from the beginning of muscle effort to the initiation of the breath. Results 100% of the breaths were triggered at Pmus (cmH2O) of -15 in the pressure trigger, -25 in flow trigger, -3 for ST1, -9 for ST2, -10 for ST3, -10 for ST4, -12 for ST5, -18 for ST 6, and -22 for ST 7. Trigger time (msec) for flow was 0.135 ± 0.02, for pressure 0.141 ± 0.04, for ST 1-4: 0.076 ± 0.03, for ST 5-7: 0.104 ± 0.04. Multivariate analysis of variance test showed significant difference between the time to trigger P <0.001. Conclusion This bench study highlights the potential advantages of SMART Trigger technology over conventional pressure and flow triggers during auto-PEEP. The SMART Trigger enhanced sensitivity and rapid response might contribute to improved patient-ventilator synchrony. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the impact of smart trigger technology on patient outcomes in real-world scenarios. Keywords: SMART Trigger, Auto-PEEP, Trigger time

Mechanical ventilation and nursing management for a case of severe asthma complicated with intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure

Mechanical ventilation and nursing management for a case of severe asthma complicated with intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure

A Prototype Implantable Artificial Bronchus Reduces Lung Hyperinflation in Recently Deceased Patients with Emphysema

Background: Several minimally invasive treatments have been offered to patients with severe emphysema over the last two decades. Currently, endobronchial valves (EBVs) are the only approved therapeutic option, but this method has drawbacks: only a few can undergo this therapy and the incidence of pneumothorax remains high. A minimally invasive technique, appropriate for a broader patient population and posing fewer risks, would represent a desirable alternative to improve lung function in these patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether a new prototype implantable artificial bronchus (IAB) releases trapped air from the lungs of recently deceased patients with emphysema. Method: Seven recently deceased patients with emphysema were mechanically ventilated and the respiratory rate increased from 12 bpm (resting) to 30 bpm (exercise), inducing air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation. This protocol was performed twice, before and after IAB placement. Ventilation parameters and the fraction of inspired oxygen were similar in all patients. Respiratory system plateau pressure (P_plat,rs) and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP) were measured. Results: IAB implantation significantly reduced P_plat,rs (p = 0.017) in 6 of 7 deceased patients with emphysema and iPEEP (p = 0.03) in 5 of 7 patients. Conclusions: Placement of one or two IABs in segmental bronchi (up to 15th generation) proved to be feasible and improved lung function. These findings should provide a basis for subsequent clinical studies to assess the safety and efficacy of IAB in patients with emphysema, as well as identify short- and long-term effects of this innovative procedure.

Determining respiratory rate using measured expiratory time constant: A prospective observational study

PurposePotential negative implications associated with high respiratory rate (RR) are intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) generation, cardiovascular depression and possibly ventilator induced lung injury. Despite these negative consequences, optimal RR remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that without consideration of dynamics of lung emptying (i.e., the expiratory time constant [RCEXP]) clinician settings of RR may exceed the frequency needed for optimal lung emptying. Materials and methodsThis prospective multicenter observational study measured RCEXP in 56 intensive care patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation. We compared set RR to the one predicted with RCEXP (RRP). Also, the subgroup of patients with prolonged RCEXP was analyzed. ResultsOverall, the absolute mean difference between the set RR and RRP was 2.8 bpm (95% CI: 2.3–3.2). Twenty-nine (52%) patients had prolonged RCEXP (>0.8 s), mean difference between set RR and RRP of 3.1 bpm (95% CI: 2.3–3.8; p < 0.0001) and significantly higher PEEPi compared to those with RCEXP ≤ 0.8 s: 4.4 (95% CI: 3.6–5.2) versus 1.5 (95% CI: 0.9–2.0) cmH2O respectively, p < 0.0001. ConclusionsUse of RRP based on measured RCEXP revealed that the clinician-set RR exceeded that predicted by RCEXP in the majority of patients. Measuring RCEXP appears to be a useful variable for adjusting the RR during mandatory mechanical ventilation.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Versus Continuous Negative Pressure Around the Chest for Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study

With chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used to overcome the threshold load provided by intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure and decrease the inspiratory work of breathing. In this pilot study, we observed whether a continuous negative pressure (CNP) around the thorax and upper abdomen with a shell and wrap would provide a similar level of relief in dyspnoea. In eight patients with COPD in the intensive care unit receiving CPAP, CNP was alternated twice with CPAP (30 minutes each time). We measured heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) pH and dyspnoea score, and asked each patient which system was more comfortable. Comparing CPAP with CNP, we found no significant difference in all measured parameters except PaCO2 which was lower with CNP. Seven out of eight patients found that CNP was more comfortable. The CNP was similar to CPAP except CNP was more comfortable.

Validation of at-the-bedside formulae for estimating ventilator driving pressure during airway pressure release ventilation using computer simulation

BackgroundAirway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is widely available on mechanical ventilators and has been proposed as an early intervention to prevent lung injury or as a rescue therapy in the management of refractory hypoxemia. Driving pressure (Delta P) has been identified in numerous studies as a key indicator of ventilator-induced-lung-injury that needs to be carefully controlled. Delta P delivered by the ventilator in APRV is not directly measurable in dynamic conditions, and there is no “gold standard” method for its estimation.MethodsWe used a computational simulator matched to data from 90 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to evaluate the accuracy of three “at-the-bedside” methods for estimating ventilator Delta P during APRV.ResultsLevels of Delta P delivered by the ventilator in APRV were generally within safe limits, but in some cases exceeded levels specified by protective ventilation strategies. A formula based on estimating the intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure present at the end of the APRV release provided the most accurate estimates of Delta P. A second formula based on assuming that expiratory flow, volume and pressure decay mono-exponentially, and a third method that requires temporarily switching to volume-controlled ventilation, also provided accurate estimates of true Delta P.ConclusionsLevels of Delta P delivered by the ventilator during APRV can potentially exceed levels specified by standard protective ventilation strategies, highlighting the need for careful monitoring. Our results show that Delta P delivered by the ventilator during APRV can be accurately estimated at the bedside using simple formulae that are based on readily available measurements.

Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic contraction and relaxation properties: correlations of diaphragmatic displacement with oesophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressure

Transdiaphragmatic (Pdi) and oesophageal pressures (Pes) are useful in understanding the pathophysiology of the respiratory system. They provide insight into respiratory drive, intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure, diaphragmatic fatigue and weaning...

Diagnostic Insights from Plethysmographic Alveolar Pressure Assessed during Spontaneous Breathing in COPD Patients.

Since its introduction in the clinical practice, body plethysmography has assisted pneumologists in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases and patients’ follow-up, by providing easy assessment of absolute lung volumes and airway resistance. In the last decade, emerging evidence suggested that estimation of alveolar pressure by electronically-compensated plethysmographs may contain information concerning the mechanics of the respiratory system which goes beyond those provided by the simple value of airway resistance or conductance. Indeed, the systematic study of expiratory alveolar pressure-flow loops produced during spontaneous breathing at rest has shown that the marked expansion of expiratory loops in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients mainly reflects the presence of tidal expiratory flow-limitation. The presence of this phenomenon can be accurately predicted on the basis of loop-derived parameters. Finally, we present results suggesting that plethysmographic alveolar pressure may be used to estimate non-invasively intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) in spontaneously breathing patients, a task which previously could be only accomplished by introducing a balloon-tipped catheter in the esophagus.

Effects of Dynamic Hyperinflation on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Healthy Subjects - A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Objective: Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dynamic hyperinflation has been suggested as a key determinant of reduced diastolic function in COPD. We aimed to investigate the effects of induced dynamic hyperinflation on left ventricular diastolic function in healthy subjects to exclude other confounding mechanisms associated with COPD.Design: In this randomized controlled crossover trial (NCT03500822, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/), we induced dynamic hyperinflation using the validated method of expiratory resistance breathing (ERB), which combines tachypnea with expiratory resistance, and compared the results to those of tachypnea alone. Healthy male subjects (n = 14) were randomly assigned to the ERB or control group with subsequent crossover. Mild, moderate, and severe hyperinflation (i.e., ERB1, ERB2, ERB3) were confirmed by intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) using an esophageal balloon catheter. The effects on diastolic function of the left ventricle were measured by transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of the heart rate-adjusted transmitral E/A-ratio and E/e'-ratio.Results: We randomly assigned seven participants to the ERB group and seven to the control group (age 26 [24-26] vs. 24 [24-34], p = 0.81). Severe hyperinflation decreased the E/A-ratio compared to the control condition (1.63 [1.49–1.77] vs. 1.85 [0.95–2.75], p = 0.039), and moderate and severe ERB significantly increased the septal E/e'-ratio. No changes in diastolic function were found during mild hyperinflation. PEEPi levels during ERB were inversely correlated with the E/A ratio (regression coefficient = −0.007, p = 0.001).Conclusions: Our data indicate dynamic hyperinflation as a determinant of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in healthy subjects. Therapeutic reduction of hyperinflation might be a treatable trait to improve diastolic function in patients with COPD.

The starting rate for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in infants with bronchiolitis: Is clinical judgment enough?

To determine whether in infants with bronchiolitis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) the starting rate for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy set by the attending physicians upon clinical judgment meets patients' peak inspiratory flow (PIF) demands and how it influences respiratory mechanics and breathing effort. We simultaneously obtained respiratory flow and esophageal pressure data from 31 young infants with moderate-to-severe bronchiolitis before and after setting the HFNC rate at 1 L/kg/min (HFNC-1), 2 L/kg/min (HFNC-2) or upon clinical judgment and compared data for PIF, respiratory mechanics, and breathing effort. Before HFNC oxygen therapy started, 16 (65%) infants had a PIF less than 1 L/kg/min (normal-PIF) and 15 (45%) had a PIF more than or equal to 1 L/kg/min (high-PIF). Normal-PIF-infants had higher airway resistance (p < .001) and breathing effort indexes (e.g., pressure rate product per min [PTP/min], p = .028) than high-PIF-infants. Starting the HFNC rate upon clinical judgment (1.20-2.05 L/kg/min) met all infants' PIFs. In normal-PIF-infants, the clinically judged flow rate increased PIF (p = .081) and tidal volume (p = .029), reduced airway resistance (p = .011), and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (p = .041), whereas, in both high-PIF and normal-PIF infants, it decreased respiratory rate (p < .001) and indexes of breathing effort such as PTP/min (in normal-PIF infants, p = .004; in high-PIF infants, p = .001). The 2 L/kg/min but not 1 L/kg/min rate induced similar effects. The wide PIF distribution in our PICU population of infants with bronchiolitis suggests two disease phenotypes whose therapeutic options might differ. An initial flow rate of nearly 2 L/kg/min meets patients' flow demands and improves respiratory mechanics and breathing effort.

Estimating Airway Opening Pressure, Trapped Gas Volume, and Hidden Intrinsic Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Estimating Airway Opening Pressure, Trapped Gas Volume, and Hidden Intrinsic Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Intrinsic Dynamic Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Stable Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Assessment of intrinsic dynamic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,dyn) may be clinically important in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but epidemiological data are scant. Objectives: The aim of our study was (i) to assess the PEEPi,dyn in a large population of stable patients with COPD and (ii) to evaluate the correlations with some noninvasive measurements routinely assessed. Method: Retrospective analysis of lung mechanics, dynamic volumes, arterial blood gases, dyspnoea by means of the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, the COPD Assessment Test score, and maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures in 87 hypercapnic and 62 normocapnic patients. Results: The mean PEEPi,dyn was significantly higher in hypercapnic than normocapnic patients (2.8 ± 2.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.6 cm H₂O, respectively, p = 0.0094). PEEPi,dyn did not differ according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage, MRC score, or use or not of long-term oxygen therapy. There were significant although weak correlations between PEEPi,dyn and airway obstruction, hyperinflation, respiratory muscle function, arterial CO₂ tension, and number of exacerbations/year. The transdiaphragmatic pressure was the strongest variable associated to PEEPi,dyn (R = 0.5713, p = 0.001). Conclusion: In stable patients with COPD, PEEPi,dyn is higher in hypercapnic patients and weakly correlated to noninvasive measures of lung and respiratory muscle function.

Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal in the Treatment of Status Asthmaticus.

Venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal may be lifesaving in the setting of status asthmaticus. Retrospective review. Medical ICU. Twenty-six adult patients with status asthmaticus treated with venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal. None. Demographic data and characteristics of current and prior asthma treatments were obtained from the electronic medical record. Mechanical ventilator settings, arterial blood gases, vital signs, and use of vasopressors were collected from the closest time prior to cannulation and 24 hours after initiation of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal settings, including blood flow and sweep gas flow, were collected at 24 hours after initiation of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal. Outcome measures included rates of survival to hospital discharge, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal support, and complications during extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal. Following the initiation of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal, blood gas values were significantly improved at 24 hours, as were peak airway pressures, intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure, and use of vasopressors. Survival to hospital discharge was 100%. Twenty patients (76.9%) were successfully extubated while receiving extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal support; none required reintubation. The most common complication was cannula-associated deep venous thrombosis (six patients, 23.1%). Four patients (15.4%) experienced bleeding that required a transfusion of packed RBCs. In the largest series to date, use of venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in patients with status asthmaticus can provide a lifesaving means of support until the resolution of the exacerbation, with an acceptably low rate of complications. Early extubation in select patients receiving extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is safe and feasible and avoids the deleterious effects of positive-pressure mechanical ventilation in this patient population.

Autotitrating external positive end-expiratory airway pressure to abolish expiratory flow limitation during tidal breathing in patients with severe COPD: a physiological study.

The optimal noninvasive application of external positive end-expiratory pressure (EPAP) to abolish tidal-breathing expiratory flow limitation (EFLT) and minimise intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) is challenging in COPD patients. We investigated whether auto-titrating EPAP, using the forced oscillation technique (FOT) to detect and abolish EFLT, would minimise PEEPi, work of breathing and neural respiratory drive (NRD) in patients with severe COPD. Patients with COPD with chronic respiratory failure underwent auto-titration of EPAP using a FOT-based algorithm that detected EFLT. Once optimal EPAP was identified, manual titration was performed to assess NRD (using diaphragm and parasternal intercostal muscle electromyography, EMGdi and EMGpara, respectively), transdiaphragmatic inspiratory pressure swings (ΔP di), transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product (PTPdi) and PEEPi, between EPAP levels 2 cmH2O below to 3 cmH2O above optimal EPAP. Of 10 patients enrolled (age 65±6 years; male 60%; body mass index 27.6±7.2 kg.m-2; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 28.4±8.3% predicted), eight had EFLT, and optimal EPAP was 9 (range 4-13) cmH2O. NRD was reduced from baseline EPAP at 1 cmH2O below optimal EPAP on EMGdi and at optimal EPAP on EMGpara. In addition, at optimal EPAP, PEEPi (0.80±1.27 cmH2O versus 1.95± 1.70 cmH2O; p<0.05) was reduced compared with baseline. PTPdi (10.3±7.8 cmH2O·s-1 versus 16.8±8.8 cmH2O·s-1; p<0.05) and ΔP di (12.4±7.8 cmH2O versus 18.2±5.1 cmH2O; p<0.05) were reduced at optimal EPAP+1 cmH2O compared with baseline. Autotitration of EPAP, using a FOT-based algorithm to abolish EFLT, minimises transdiaphragmatic pressure swings and NRD in patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure.

Monitoring respiratory mechanics during assisted ventilation.

Accurate monitoring of the mechanical properties of the respiratory system is crucial to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory failure in mechanically ventilated patients, to optimize mechanical ventilation settings and to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury. However, although the assessment of respiratory mechanics is simple in patients undergoing fully controlled ventilation, it becomes quite challenging in the presence of spontaneous breathing activity. Aim of the present review is to describe how the different components of respiratory mechanics [resistance, static compliance, and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)] can be measured at the bedside during assisted modes of ventilation. Available techniques for bedside measurement of resistance during assisted ventilation are complex and not commonly implemented. On the contrary, an increasing number of reports indicate that measurement of static compliance and intrinsic PEEP can be easily obtained, both with advanced monitoring systems (esophageal and gastric manometry, diaphragm electromyography, electrical impedance tomography) and, with some limitations, with simple airways occlusion maneuvers. Assessment of respiratory mechanics in spontaneously breathing patients, with some limitations, is feasible and should be included in everyday clinical practice; however, more data are needed to understand the clinical relevance of the measures obtained during assisted ventilation.

The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: a narrative review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation induces hypercapnic respiratory acidosis. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) aims to eliminate blood carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to reduce adverse effects from hypercapnia and the related acidosis. Hypercapnia has deleterious extra-pulmonary consequences in increasing intracranial pressure and inducing and/or worsening right heart failure. During COPD exacerbation, the use of ECCO2R may improve the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in terms of CO2 removal, decrease respiratory rate and reduce dynamic hyperinflation and intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure, which all contribute to increasing dead space. Moreover, ECCO2R may prevent NIV failure while facilitating the weaning of intubated patients from mechanical ventilation. In this review of the literature, the authors will present the current knowledge on the pathophysiology related to COPD, the principles of the ECCO2R technique and its role in acute and severe decompensation of COPD. However, despite technical advances, there are only case series in the literature and few prospective studies to clearly establish the role of ECCO2R in acute and severe COPD decompensation.