[Daptomycin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia associated with an early endoprosthesis infection]. / Daptomycin-induzierte eosinophile Pneumonitis im Rahmen eines Endoprothesenfrühinfektes.

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare disease characteristically involving eosinophilic infiltration of lung parenchyma as well as fever, dyspnea, and coughing. A differentiation is made between primary and secondary AEP depending on the underlying etiology. Substances that most frequently cause secondary AEP are antibiotics, such as the lipopeptide daptomycin. This is a case report about a 69-year-old female patient who underwent antibiotic treatment with daptomycin for an infection of a knee prosthesis. During the treatment, signs of pneumonia developed and included the increased dependence on mechanical ventilation of the previously intubated patient, infiltrates on a chest X­ray, fever, and an increase in serum inflammation markers. Proof of bacteria as an underlying pathogen was not possible. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan showed opacities that are commonly seen in interstitial lung disease. Termination of daptomycin treatment due to renal failure led to an improvement of pulmonary symptoms. Re-exposure to daptomycin resulted in a recurrence of the symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for AEP according to Uppal et al. include 1) current exposure to daptomycin, 2) dyspnea with increased oxygen requirements or necessity for mechanical ventilation, 3) new infiltrates on chest X­ray or CT scan, 4) bronchoalveolar lavage with eosinophilia >25%, 5) improvement of clinical symptoms following daptomycin withdrawal, and 6) fever. With 5 out of the 6 criteria by Uppal et al. positive-an eosinophilia >25% being the only unmet criteria-an AEP induced by daptomycin was diagnosed. Withdrawal of daptomycin as well as high-dose cortisol bolus treatment led to a rapid recovery.

Comparison of the C-MAC(®) and GlideScope(®) videolaryngoscopes in patients with cervical spine disorders and immobilisation.

In-line stabilisation of the neck can increase the difficulty of tracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. We randomly assigned 56 patients with cervical spine pathology scheduled for elective surgery to tracheal intubation using either the C-MAC(®) (n = 26) or GlideScope(®) (n = 30), when the head and neck were stabilised in-line. There was no significant difference in the median (IQR [range]) intubation times between the C-MAC (19 (14-35 [9-90]) s and the GlideScope (23, (15-32 [8-65]) s. The first-attempt failure rate for the C-MAC was 42% (95% CI 23-63%) compared with 7% (95% CI 1-22%) for the GlideScope, p = 0.002. The laryngeal view was excellent and comparable with both devices, with the C-MAC requiring significantly more attempts and optimising manoeuvers (11 vs 5, respectively, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in postoperative complaints e.g. sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. Both devices provided an excellent glottic view in patients with cervical spine immobilisation, but tracheal intubation was more often successful on the first attempt with the GlideScope.

[Anaesthesiological challenges in patients for bariatric surgery]. / Anästhesiologische Besonderheiten bei morbider Adipositas.

Anaesthesia of patients for bariatric surgery is a major challenge. It is essential to take into account the specific pathophysiology, comorbidities and related complications associated with obesity. An increased attention and an adequate monitoring during arousal from anaesthesia should be an integral part of the perioperative management. This article is designed to overview the anaesthesia-related pathophysiology of obesity. Based on this knowledge it is possible to estimate the perioperative risk situation for the obese patient. Furthermore, the following text presents concepts in performing anaesthesia for the pre-, peri- and postoperative phases and deals with some complications and their possible solutions.

Alveolar recruitment in acute lung injury.

Alveolar recruitment is one of the primary goals of respiratory care for acute lung injury. It is aimed at improving pulmonary gas exchange and, even more important, at protecting the lungs from ventilator-induced trauma. This review addresses the concept of alveolar recruitment for lung protection in acute lung injury. It provides reasons for why atelectasis and atelectrauma should be avoided; it analyses current and future approaches on how to achieve and preserve alveolar recruitment; and it discusses the possibilities of detecting alveolar recruitment and derecruitment. The latter is of particular clinical relevance because interventions aimed at lung recruitment are often undertaken without simultaneous verification of their effectiveness.

Reduced activation of immunomodulatory transcription factors during positive end-expiratory pressure adjustment based on volume-dependent compliance in isolated perfused rabbit lungs.

BACKGROUND: Repeated alveolar collapse and cyclic alveolar overdistension with associated activation of inflammatory signalling cascades contribute to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) which prevents or ameliorates VILI is unknown. In the isolated perfused lung, repeated adjustments of PEEP based on the continuously analysed intratidal compliance-volume curve have previously been shown to result in full end-expiratory alveolar recruitment and low risk of cyclic alveolar overdistension. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that such ventilatory management reduces intrapulmonary activation of the immunomodulatory transcription factors nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), activator protein 1 (AP-1) and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) which induce the expression of various chemokines and cytokines. METHODS: Isolated perfused rabbit lungs were randomly allocated to one of three groups: zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) to induce repeated alveolar collapse (n=6), high PEEP to induce cyclic alveolar overdistension (n=6) and repeated PEEP adjustments based on intratidal compliance-volume curve analysis by the slice method to minimize repeated alveolar collapse and overdistension (n=9). All lungs were ventilated with a tidal volume of 6 ml kg(-1) bodyweight for 120 min. Thereafter, activation of transcription factors NF-kappaB, AP-1 and CREB in lung tissue was analysed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: High PEEP was associated with the highest activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and repeated PEEP adjustments with the lowest activation when compared with the other two study groups (P<0.001). In contrast, activation of CREB did not differ between groups. Activated NF-kappaB and AP-1 protein complexes consisted mainly of the transactivators p50/p65 and c-Fos/Jun, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In isolated perfused rabbit lungs, repeated adjustments of PEEP based on the continuously analysed intratidal compliance-volume curve were associated with less activation of early steps of inflammatory signalling cascades than ventilation with ZEEP or high PEEP.

Extubation after breathing trials with automatic tube compensation, T-tube, or pressure support ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is a new option to compensate for the pressure drop across the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube (ETT), especially during ventilator-assisted spontaneous breathing. While several benefits of this mode have so far been documented, ATC has not yet been used to predict whether the ETT could be safely removed at the end of weaning, from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We undertook a systematic trial using a randomized block design. During a 2-year period, all eligible patients of a medical intensive care unit were treated with ATC, conventional pressure support ventilation (PSV, 5 cmH2O), or T-tube for 2-h. Tolerance of the breathing trial served as a basis for the decision to remove the endotracheal tube. Extubation failure was considered if reintubation was necessary or if the patient required non-invasive ventilatory assistance (both within 48 h). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After the inclusion of 90 patients (30 per group) we did not observe significant differences between the modes. Twelve patients failed the initial weaning trial. However, half of the patients who appeared to fail the spontaneous breathing trial on the T-tube, PSV, or both, were successfully extubated after a succeeding trial with ATC. Extubation was thus withheld from four and three of these patients while breathing with PSV or the T-tube, respectively, but to any patient breathing with ATC. It seems that ATC can be used as an alternative mode during the final phase of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, this study may promote a larger multicenter trial on weaning with ATC compared with standard modes.

Automatic tube compensation (ATC).

Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is a new option to compensate for the non-linearly flow-dependent pressure drop across an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube (ETT) during inspiration and expiration. ATC is based on a closed-loop working principle. ATC is not a true ventilatory mode but rather a new option which can be combined with all conventional ventilatory modes. ATC compensates for the tube-related additional work of breathing. As of yet, ATC has been associated with certain benefits for the tracheally intubated spontaneously breathing patient. Among these, reduced work of breathing, preservation of the natural "noisy" breathing pattern, enhanced synchronization between the patient and the ventilator, and improvement of respiratory comfort seem to be most important. Moreover, sufficient spontaneous breathing with ATC alone, i.e. without any additional ventilatory assist, might help to predict more accurately readiness for extubation in the last phase of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, it has been shown in patients with acute lung injury that ATC unloaded the inspiratory muscles and increased alveolar ventilation without adversely affecting cardiorespiratory function. It is the purpose of this article to describe the working principle of ATC and to give a review of the actual scientific discussion concerning ATC.

Is pulmonary resistance constant, within the range of tidal volume ventilation, in patients with ARDS?

When managing patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory system compliance is usually considered first and changes in resistance, although recognized, are neglected. Resistance can change considerably between minimum and maximum lung volume, but is generally assumed to be constant in the tidal volume range (V(T)). We measured resistance during tidal ventilation in 16 patients with ARDS or acute lung injury by the slice method and multiple linear regression analysis. Resistance was constant within V(T) in only six of 16 patients. In the remaining patients, resistance decreased, increased or showed complex changes. We conclude that resistance within V(T) varies considerably from patient to patient and that constant resistance within V(T) is not always likely.

Automatic tube compensation.

In this article automatic tube compensation (ATC) is described with respect to working principle, to technical realization, and to clinical experience. ATC, based on an indirect closed-loop working principle, compensates for the flow-dependent pressure drop across the tracheal tube during both inspiration and expiration. ATC reduces patient work of breathing, increases respiratory comfort, and allows prediction of successful extubation. ATC is not a stand-alone ventilatory mode, but rather a component of flow-proportional pressure support that can be combined with all conventional ventilatory modes.

Breathing pattern and perception at different levels of volume assist and pressure support in volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: Volume assist (VA) amplifies the breathing effort whereas pressure support ventilation (PSV) provides a fixed, effort-independent ventilatory support. According to the concept of VA, its level should compensate for the pathologically increased (additional) elastance (Eadd). However, it is unclear whether breathing subjects prefer an exact compensation of Eadd and whether they are able to adjust the support level by themselves. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional study. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twelve healthy volunteers, nine females, three males, aged 21-33 yrs. INTERVENTIONS: Increased Eadd was generated by banding of the thorax and abdomen. Volunteers breathed via a mouthpiece with VA or PSV using a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O (0.5 kPa). The study was subdivided into two parts. In part I, volunteers were instructed to adjust the level of VA and PSV themselves starting from three different, randomly applied levels in each mode (2, 8, 14 cm H2O or cm H2O/L; 0.2, 0.8, 1.4 kPa[/L]). In part II, 20 levels of VA and PSV (1-20 cm H2O or cm H2O/L, 0.1-2 kPa[/L]) were randomly selected by an investigator and estimated by the volunteers using a visual analog scale. Additionally, the breathing pattern was characterized. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eadd (7.1 +/- 1.5 cm H2O/L [0.7 +/- 0.2 kPa/L], mean +/- sd) corresponded almost exactly to the "self-adjusted" VA level of part I (7.0 +/- 3.3 cm H2O/L [0.7 +/- 0.3 kPa/L]) and to the adequate level of part II (8-9 cm H2O/L [0.8-0.9 kPa/L]). The accordant PSV levels were 5.7 +/- 2.6 cm H2O (0.6 +/- 0.3 kPa) and 6-7 cm H2O (0.6-0.7 kPa). The breathing pattern was less influenced by changes of the support level with VA compared with PSV, which may explain in part the greater comfort of VA. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the theoretical assumption that VA should be adapted to Eadd. Furthermore, we demonstrated that conscious subjects are able to adjust the level of VA and PSV themselves.

[10 years experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]. / Zehn Jahre Erfahrung mit extrakorporaler Membranoxygenierung (ECMO).

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a supportive therapy used for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We present outcome, clinical parameters, and complications in a cohort of 245 ARDS patients of whom 62 were treated with ECMO. METHODS: Data of all ARDS patients were prospectively collected between 1991 and 1999. Outcome and clinical parameters of patients treated with and without ECMO were evaluated. RESULTS: Hundred-thirty-eight patients were referred from other hospitals, 107 were primarily located in our hospital. About one fourth of these patients was treated with ECMO. The survival rate was 55% in ECMO patients and 61% in non-ECMO patients. ECMO resulted in very few complications, one of them was fatal. No parameter before or during ECMO could be used to predict the individual prognosis. CONCLUSION: ECMO is a therapeutic option for patients with severe ARDS, likely to increase survival. However, a randomized controlled study proving its benefit is still awaited. Until the development of a causal or otherwise superior therapy ECMO should be used in selected patients.

Volume-dependent compliance and ventilation-perfusion mismatch in surfactant-depleted isolated rabbit lungs.

OBJECTIVE: Volume-dependent alterations of lung compliance are usually studied over a very large volume range. However, the course of compliance within the comparably small tidal volume (intratidal compliance-volume curve) may also provide relevant information about the impact of mechanical ventilation on pulmonary gas exchange. Consequently, we determined the association of the distribution of ventilation and perfusion with the intratidal compliance-volume curve after modification of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). DESIGN: Repeated measurements in randomized order. SETTING: An animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Isolated perfused rabbit lungs (n = 14). INTERVENTIONS: Surfactant was removed by bronchoalveolar lavage. The lungs were ventilated thereafter with a constant tidal volume (10 mL/kg body weight). Five levels of PEEP (0-4 cm H2O) were applied in random order for 20 mins each. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The intratidal compliance-volume curve was determined with the slice method for each PEEP level. Concurrently, pulmonary gas exchange was assessed by the multiple inert gas elimination technique. At a PEEP of 0-1 cm H2O, the intratidal compliance-volume curve was formed a bow with downward concavity. At a PEEP of 2 cm H2O, concavity was minimal or compliance was almost constant, whereas higher PEEP levels (3-4 cm H2O) resulted in a decrease of compliance within tidal inflation. Pulmonary gas exchange did not differ between PEEP levels of of 0, 1, and 2 cm H2O. Pulmonary shunt was lowest and perfusion of alveoli with a normal ventilation-perfusion was highest at a PEEP of 3-4 cm H2O. Deadspace ventilation did not change significantly but tended to increase with PEEP. CONCLUSIONS: An increase of compliance at the very beginning of tidal inflation was associated with impaired pulmonary gas exchange, indicating insufficient alveolar recruitment by the PEEP level. Consequently, the lowest PEEP level preventing alveolar atelectasis could be detected by analyzing the course of compliance within tidal volume without the need for total lung inflation.

Compliance is nonlinear over tidal volume irrespective of positive end-expiratory pressure level in surfactant-depleted piglets.

Between the lower and the upper inflection point of a quasistatic pressure-volume (PV) curve, a segment usually appears in which the PV relationship is steep and linear (i.e., compliance is high, with maximal volume change per pressure change, and is constant). Traditionally it is assumed that when positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume (V T) are titrated such that the end-inspiratory volume is positioned at this linear segment of the PV curve, compliance is constant over VT during ongoing ventilation. The validity of this assumption was addressed in this study. In 14 surfactant-deficient piglets, PEEP was increased from 3 cm H(2)O to 24 cm H(2)O, and the compliance associated with 10 consecutive volume increments up to full VT was determined with a modified multiple-occlusion method at the different PEEP levels. With PEEP at approximately the lower inflection point, compliance was minimal in most lungs and decreased markedly over VT, indicating overdistension. Compliance both increased and decreased within the same breath at intermediate PEEP levels. It is concluded that a PEEP that results in constant compliance over the full VT range is difficult to find, and cannot be derived from conventional respiratory-mechanical analyses; nor does this PEEP level coincide with maximal gas exchange.

Static versus dynamic respiratory mechanics for setting the ventilator.

The lower inflection point (LIP) of the inspiratory limb of a static pressure-volume (PV) loop is assumed to indicate the pressure at which most lung units are recruited. The LIP is determined by a static manoeuvre with a PV-history that is different from the PV-history of the actual ventilation. In nine surfactant-deficient piglets, information to allow setting PEEP and VT was obtained, both from the PV-curve and also during ongoing ventilation from the dynamic compliance relationship. According to LIP, PEEP was set at 20 (95% confidence interval 17-22) cm H2O. Volume-dependent dynamic compliance suggested a PEEP reduction (to 15 (13-18) cm H2O). Pulmonary gas exchange remained satisfactory and this change resulted in reduced mechanical stress on the respiratory system, indirectly indicated by volume-dependent compliance being consistently great during the entire inspiration.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a ten-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a supportive therapy used for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We present outcome, clinical parameters, and complications in a cohort of 245 ARDS patients of whom 62 were treated with ECMO. METHODS: Data of all ARDS patients were prospectively collected between 1991 and 1999. Outcome and clinical parameters of patients treated with and without ECMO were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients were referred from other hospitals, 107 were primarily located in our hospital. About one fourth of these patients were treated with ECMO. The survival rate was 55% in ECMO patients and 61% in non-ECMO patients. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO is a therapeutic option for patients with severe ARDS, likely to increase survival. However, a randomized controlled study proving its benefit is still awaited. Until the development of a causal or otherwise superior therapy ECMO should be used in selected patients.

Respiratory system inertance: investigation in a physical inertance model.

For analysis of respiratory system mechanics the very complex structure of the respiratory system is strongly simplified to a simple resistance-compliance-model. While for most patients this simplification seems sufficient, in patients with pulmonary disease this model is inappropriate. Additionally, to regional inhomogeneity throughout the lung, large volume accelerations due to the strongly decreased respiratory system compliance together with a mass increase of the patients' lungs, i.e. an increased respiratory system inertance Irs, result in a significant inertive pressure contribution. The aim of this study was to develop a physical inertance model, and its description by conventional methods of respiratory monitoring. Its parameters are adjustable within the physiological range, with Irs between 0.06 and 0.2 mbar.s2.l-1. The model proved well with static and dynamic analysis of respiratory system parameters. Using our physical model it is possible to evaluate new methods of respiratory monitoring and to investigate experimentally the interrelationship of respiratory system parameters.

Respiratory comfort and breathing pattern during volume proportional assist ventilation and pressure support ventilation: a study on volunteers with artificially reduced compliance.

OBJECTIVE: To assess respiratory comfort and associated breathing pattern during volume assist (VA) as a component of proportional assist ventilation and during pressure support ventilation (PSV). DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, interventional study. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: A total of 15 healthy volunteers (11 females, 4 males) aged 21-31 yrs. INTERVENTIONS: Decreased respiratory system compliance was simulated by banding of the thorax and abdomen. Volunteers breathed via a mouthpiece with VA and PSV each applied at two levels (VA, 8 cm H2O/L and 12 cm H2O/L; PSV, 10 cm H2O and 15 cm H2O) using a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O throughout. The study was subdivided into two parts. In Part 1, volunteers breathed three times with each of the four settings for 2 mins in random order. In Part 2, the first breath effects of multiple, randomly applied mode, and level shifts were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In Part 1, the volunteers were asked to estimate respiratory comfort in comparison with normal breathing using a visual analog scale. In Part 2, they were asked to estimate the change of respiratory comfort as increased, decreased, or unchanged immediately after a mode shift. Concomitantly, the respiratory pattern (change) was characterized with continuously measured tidal volume, respiratory rate, pressure, and gas flow. Respiratory comfort during VA was higher than during PSV. The higher support level was less important during VA but had a major negative influence on comfort during PSV. Both modes differed with respect to the associated breathing pattern. Variability of breathing was higher during VA than during PSV (Part 1). Changes in respiratory variables were associated with changes in respiratory comfort (Part 2). CONCLUSIONS: For volunteers breathing with artificially reduced respiratory system compliance, respiratory comfort is higher with VA than with PSV. This is probably caused by a better adaptation of the ventilatory support to the volunteer's need with VA.

Continuous calculation of intratracheal pressure in the presence of pediatric endotracheal tubes.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the pressure-flow relationship of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in trachea models, to mathematically describe this relationship, and to evaluate in trachea/lung models a method for calculation of pressure at the distal end of the ETT (Ptrach) by subtracting the flow-dependent pressure drop across the ETT from the airway pressure measured at the proximal end of the ETT. DESIGN: Trachea models and trachea/lung models. SETTING: Research laboratory in a university medical center. INTERVENTIONS: The pressure-flow relationship of pediatric ETTs (inner diameter, 2.5-6.5 mm) was determined using a physical model consisting of a tube connector, an anatomically curved ETT, and an artificial trachea. The model was ventilated with sinusoidal gas flow (12-60 cycles/min). The coefficients of an approximation equation considering ETT resistance and inertance were fitted separately to the measured pressure-flow curves for inspiration and expiration. Calculated Ptrach was compared with directly measured Ptrach in mechanically ventilated physical trachea/lung models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The pressure-flow relationship was considerably nonlinear and showed hysteresis around the origin caused by the inertia of accelerated gas. ETT inertance ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 cm H2O/L x sec2 (inner diameter, 6-2.5 mm). The abrupt change in cross-sectional area at the tube connector caused an inspiration-to-expiration asymmetry. Calculated and measured Ptrach were within +/- 1 cm H2O. Correspondence between measured and calculated Ptrach is improved even further when the ETT inertance is taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Ptrach can continuously be monitored in the presence of pediatric ETT by combining ETT coefficients and the flow and airway pressure continuously measured at the proximal end of the ETT.

Breathing pattern associated with respiratory comfort during automatic tube compensation and pressure support ventilation in normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is a new option to support spontaneously breathing tracheally intubated patients. We have previously demonstrated an increased respiratory comfort compared to pressure support ventilation (PSV) in volunteers. Here we characterized the breathing pattern during ATC associated with respiratory comfort in comparison to PSV. Furthermore, we studied whether ATC can be substituted by a simple modification of PSV. METHODS: We exposed 10 volunteers breathing through a 7.5 mm endotracheal tube via mouthpiece to PSV with 1) immediate and 2) delayed pressure rise and to 3) ATC. Immediate changes of the respiratory pattern after mode shifts were analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the volunteers were instructed to indicate changes in comfort after transitions between these modes as increased, unchanged, or decreased. RESULTS: Decreased comfort was associated with a substantial increase of tidal volume, minute ventilation, gas flow, and pressure. No differences in respiratory comfort were perceived between immediate and delayed pressure rise during PSV. CONCLUSION: PSV resulted in excessive tidal volumes and airflow, which was perceived as discomfort. This cannot be avoided by a delayed pressure rise but can be by the more comfortable ATC. ATC seems to adapt better to the ventilatory demand than PSV.

Volume-dependent compliance in ARDS: proposal of a new diagnostic concept.

OBJECTIVE: Adaptation of ventilator settings to the individual's respiratory system mechanics requires information about the pressure-volume relationship and the change of compliance which is dependent on inflated volume. Unfortunately, established methods of obtaining this information are invasive and time-consuming, and, therefore, not well suited for clinical routine. We propose a new standardized diagnostic concept based on the recently developed slice method. This multiple linear regression method (MLR) determines volume-dependent respiratory system compliance (C(SLICE)) within the tidal volume (V(T)) during ongoing mechanical ventilation. The impact of a ventilator strategy, recommended by a consensus conference, on the course of compliance within V(T) was investigated in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute lung injury (ALI). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 14 ARDS patients, 2 patients with ALI. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: After measurement of flow and airway pressure and calculation of tracheal pressure, C(SLICE) was determined. The resulting course of C(SLICE) within V(T) was estimated using a mathematical algorithm. C(SLICE) data were compared to those obtained by standard MLR. We found decreasing C(SLICE) mainly in the upper part of V(T) in all patients. In 7 patients, we found an additional increasing C(SLICE) mainly in the lower part of V(T). CONCLUSIONS: C(SLICE) was not constant in patients with ARDS/ALI whose lungs were ventilated according to consensus conference recommendations. The proposed diagnostic concept may serve as a new tool to obtain a standardized estimation of respiratory system compliance within V(T) non-invasively without interfering with ongoing mechanical ventilation.