Continuous estimation of respiratory system compliance and airway resistance during pressure-controlled ventilation without end-inspiration occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Assessing mechanical properties of the respiratory system (Cst) during mechanical ventilation necessitates an end-inspiration flow of zero, which requires an end-inspiratory occlusion maneuver. This lung model study aimed to observe the effect of airflow obstruction on the accuracy of respiratory mechanical properties during pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) by analyzing dynamic signals. METHODS: A Hamilton C3 ventilator was attached to a lung simulator that mimics lung mechanics in healthy, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models. PCV and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) were applied with tidal volume (VT) values of 5.0, 7.0, and 10.0 ml/kg. Performance characteristics and respiratory mechanics were assessed and were calibrated by virtual extrapolation using expiratory time constant (RCexp). RESULTS: During PCV ventilation, drive pressure (DP) was significantly increased in the ARDS model. Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) gradually declined with increasing severity of airflow obstruction, while DP, end-inspiration flow (EIF), and inspiratory cycling ratio (EIF/PIF%) increased. Similar estimated values of Crs and airway resistance (Raw) during PCV and VCV ventilation were obtained in healthy adult and mild obstructive models, and the calculated errors did not exceed 5%. An underestimation of Crs and an overestimation of Raw were observed in the severe obstruction model. CONCLUSION: Using the modified dynamic signal analysis approach, respiratory system properties (Crs and Raw) could be accurately estimated in patients with non-severe airflow obstruction in the PCV mode.

A vagal reflex evoked by airway closure.

Airway integrity must be continuously maintained throughout life. Sensory neurons guard against airway obstruction and, on a moment-by-moment basis, enact vital reflexes to maintain respiratory function1,2. Decreased lung capacity is common and life-threatening across many respiratory diseases, and lung collapse can be acutely evoked by chest wall trauma, pneumothorax or airway compression. Here we characterize a neuronal reflex of the vagus nerve evoked by airway closure that leads to gasping. In vivo vagal ganglion imaging revealed dedicated sensory neurons that detect airway compression but not airway stretch. Vagal neurons expressing PVALB mediate airway closure responses and innervate clusters of lung epithelial cells called neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs). Stimulating NEBs or vagal PVALB neurons evoked gasping in the absence of airway threats, whereas ablating NEBs or vagal PVALB neurons eliminated gasping in response to airway closure. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that NEBs uniformly express the mechanoreceptor PIEZO2, and targeted knockout of Piezo2 in NEBs eliminated responses to airway closure. NEBs were dispensable for the Hering-Breuer inspiratory reflex, which indicated that discrete terminal structures detect airway closure and inflation. Similar to the involvement of Merkel cells in touch sensation3,4, NEBs are PIEZO2-expressing epithelial cells and, moreover, are crucial for an aspect of lung mechanosensation. These findings expand our understanding of neuronal diversity in the airways and reveal a dedicated vagal pathway that detects airway closure to help preserve respiratory function.

Determining optimal positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume in children by intratidal compliance: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding optimal intraoperative ventilation strategies for the paediatric population. This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of PEEP and tidal volume (VT) based on intratidal compliance profiles in healthy young children undergoing general anaesthesia. METHODS: During anaesthesia, infants (1 month-1 yr), toddlers (1-3 yr), and children (3-6 yr) were assigned serially to four ventilator settings: PEEP 8 cm H2O/VT 8 ml kg-1 (PEEP8/VT8), PEEP 10 cm H2O/VT 5 ml kg-1 (PEEP10/VT5), PEEP 10 cm H2O/VT 8 ml kg-1 (PEEP10/VT8), and PEEP 12 cm H2O/VT 5 ml kg-1 (PEEP12/VT5). The primary outcome was intratidal compliance profile, classified at each ventilator setting as horizontal (indicative of optimal alveolar ventilatory conditions), increasing, decreasing, or combinations of increasing/decreasing/horizontal compliance. Secondary outcomes were peak inspiratory, plateau, and driving pressures. RESULTS: Intratidal compliance was measured in 15 infants, 13 toddlers, and 15 children (15/43 [35%] females). A horizontal compliance profile was most frequently observed with PEEP10/VT5 (60.5%), compared with PEEP10/VT8, PEEP8/VT8, and PEEP12/VT5 (23.3-34.9%; P<0.001). Decreasing compliance profiles were most frequent when VT increased to 8 ml kg-1, PEEP increased to 12 cm H2O, or both. Plateau airway pressures were lower at PEEP8/VT8 (16.9 cm H2O [2.2]) and PEEP10/VT5 (16.7 cm H2O [1.7]), compared with PEEP10/VT8 (19.5 cm H2O [2.1]) and PEEP12/VT5 (19.0 cm H2O [2.0]; P<0.001). Driving pressure was lowest with PEEP10/VT5 (4.6 cm H2O), compared with other combinations (7.0 cm H2O [2.0]-9.5 cm H2O [2.1]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VT 5 ml kg-1 combined with 10 cm H2O PEEP may reduce atelectasis and overdistension, and minimise driving pressure in the majority of mechanically ventilated children <6 yr. The effect of these PEEP and VT settings on postoperative pulmonary complications in children undergoing surgery requires further study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04633720.

Pulmonary Function Tests in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Screened for Pulmonary Hypertension: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pulmonary function tests (PFTs), specifically respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and compliance (Crs), in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with and without pulmonary hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: Infants were included who underwent PFTs at 34-38 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) as part of our pulmonary hypertension screening guidelines for infants born at ≤1500 g requiring respiratory support at ≥34 weeks PMA. One pediatric cardiologist reviewed and estimated right ventricular or pulmonary arterial pressure and defined pulmonary hypertension as an estimated pulmonary arterial pressure or right ventricular pressure greater than one-half the systemic pressure. Rrs and Crs were measured with the single breath occlusion technique and functional residual capacity with the nitrogen washout method according to standardized criteria. RESULTS: Twelve VLBW infants with pulmonary hypertension and 39 without pulmonary hypertension were studied. Those with pulmonary hypertension had significantly lower birth weight and a trend toward a lower gestational age. There were no other demographic differences between the groups. The infants with pulmonary hypertension had significantly higher Rrs (119 vs 78 cmH2O/L/s; adjusted P = .012) and significantly lower Crs/kg (0.71 vs 0.92 mL/cmH2O/kg; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study of VLBW infants screened for pulmonary hypertension at 34-38 weeks PMA, those with pulmonary hypertension had significantly increased Rrs and decreased Crs compared with those without pulmonary hypertension. Additional studies are needed to further phenotype infants with evolving BPD and pulmonary hypertension.

An appraisal of respiratory system compliance in mechanically ventilated covid-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous respiratory system static compliance (CRS) values and levels of hypoxemia in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) requiring mechanical ventilation have been reported in previous small-case series or studies conducted at a national level. METHODS: We designed a retrospective observational cohort study with rapid data gathering from the international COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium study to comprehensively describe CRS-calculated as: tidal volume/[airway plateau pressure-positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)]-and its association with ventilatory management and outcomes of COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation (MV), admitted to intensive care units (ICU) worldwide. RESULTS: We studied 745 patients from 22 countries, who required admission to the ICU and MV from January 14 to December 31, 2020, and presented at least one value of CRS within the first seven days of MV. Median (IQR) age was 62 (52-71), patients were predominantly males (68%) and from Europe/North and South America (88%). CRS, within 48 h from endotracheal intubation, was available in 649 patients and was neither associated with the duration from onset of symptoms to commencement of MV (p = 0.417) nor with PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.100). Females presented lower CRS than males (95% CI of CRS difference between females-males: - 11.8 to - 7.4 mL/cmH2O p < 0.001), and although females presented higher body mass index (BMI), association of BMI with CRS was marginal (p = 0.139). Ventilatory management varied across CRS range, resulting in a significant association between CRS and driving pressure (estimated decrease - 0.31 cmH2O/L per mL/cmH20 of CRS, 95% CI - 0.48 to - 0.14, p < 0.001). Overall, 28-day ICU mortality, accounting for the competing risk of being discharged within the period, was 35.6% (SE 1.7). Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that CRS (+ 10 mL/cm H2O) was only associated with being discharge from the ICU within 28 days (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: This multicentre report provides a comprehensive account of CRS in COVID-19 patients on MV. CRS measured within 48 h from commencement of MV has marginal predictive value for 28-day mortality, but was associated with being discharged from ICU within the same period. Trial documentation: Available at https://www.covid-critical.com/study . TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12620000421932.

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, Pleural Pressure, and Regional Compliance during Pronation: An Experimental Study.

Rationale: The physiological basis of lung protection and the impact of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during pronation in acute respiratory distress syndrome are not fully elucidated. Objectives: To compare pleural pressure (Ppl) gradient, ventilation distribution, and regional compliance between dependent and nondependent lungs, and investigate the effect of PEEP during supination and pronation. Methods: We used a two-hit model of lung injury (saline lavage and high-volume ventilation) in 14 mechanically ventilated pigs and studied supine and prone positions. Global and regional lung mechanics including Ppl and distribution of ventilation (electrical impedance tomography) were analyzed across PEEP steps from 20 to 3 cm H2O. Two pigs underwent computed tomography scans: tidal recruitment and hyperinflation were calculated. Measurements and Main Results: Pronation improved oxygenation, increased Ppl, thus decreasing transpulmonary pressure for any PEEP, and reduced the dorsal-ventral pleural pressure gradient at PEEP < 10 cm H2O. The distribution of ventilation was homogenized between dependent and nondependent while prone and was less dependent on the PEEP level than while supine. The highest regional compliance was achieved at different PEEP levels in dependent and nondependent regions in supine position (15 and 8 cm H2O), but for similar values in prone position (13 and 12 cm H2O). Tidal recruitment was more evenly distributed (dependent and nondependent), hyperinflation lower, and lungs cephalocaudally longer in the prone position. Conclusions: In this lung injury model, pronation reduces the vertical pleural pressure gradient and homogenizes regional ventilation and compliance between the dependent and nondependent regions. Homogenization is much less dependent on the PEEP level in prone than in supine positon.

Physiological and quantitative CT-scan characterization of COVID-19 and typical ARDS: a matched cohort study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether COVID-19-ARDS differs from all-cause ARDS. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive, mechanically ventilated COVID-19-ARDS patients were compared to two historical ARDS sub-populations 1:1 matched for PaO2/FiO2 or for compliance of the respiratory system. Gas exchange, hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics were recorded at 5 and 15 cmH2O PEEP. CT scan variables were measured at 5 cmH2O PEEP. RESULTS: Anthropometric characteristics were similar in COVID-19-ARDS, PaO2/FiO2-matched-ARDS and Compliance-matched-ARDS. The PaO2/FiO2-matched-ARDS and COVID-19-ARDS populations (both with PaO2/FiO2 106 ± 59 mmHg) had different respiratory system compliances (Crs) (39 ± 11 vs 49.9 ± 15.4 ml/cmH2O, p = 0.03). The Compliance-matched-ARDS and COVID-19-ARDS had similar Crs (50.1 ± 15.7 and 49.9 ± 15.4 ml/cmH2O, respectively) but significantly lower PaO2/FiO2 for the same Crs (160 ± 62 vs 106.5 ± 59.6 mmHg, p < 0.001). The three populations had similar lung weights but COVID-19-ARDS had significantly higher lung gas volume (PaO2/FiO2-matched-ARDS 930 ± 644 ml, COVID-19-ARDS 1670 ± 791 ml and Compliance-matched-ARDS 1301 ± 627 ml, p < 0.05). The venous admixture was significantly related to the non-aerated tissue in PaO2/FiO2-matched-ARDS and Compliance-matched-ARDS (p < 0.001) but unrelated in COVID-19-ARDS (p = 0.75), suggesting that hypoxemia was not only due to the extent of non-aerated tissue. Increasing PEEP from 5 to 15 cmH2O improved oxygenation in all groups. However, while lung mechanics and dead space improved in PaO2/FiO2-matched-ARDS, suggesting recruitment as primary mechanism, they remained unmodified or worsened in COVID-19-ARDS and Compliance-matched-ARDS, suggesting lower recruitment potential and/or blood flow redistribution. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19-ARDS is a subset of ARDS characterized overall by higher compliance and lung gas volume for a given PaO2/FiO2, at least when considered within the timeframe of our study.

Factors affecting airway compliance and resistance in children receiving general anesthesia during adenotonsillectomy.

Airway compliance is an important index in the surgery of pediatric patients. This study aimed to explore factors affecting dynamic airway compliance (Cdyn) and airway resistance (Raw) after general anesthesia endotracheal intubation for adenotonsillectomy of pediatric patients.A prospective study was undertaken of 107 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between January and June 2018. The values of Cdyn and Raw were recorded at 5, 10, and 15 minute during general anesthesia endotracheal intubation. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for factors that affected Cdyn and Raw.Of the 107 patients aged 56.67 ±â€Š18.28 months, 69 (64%) patients were male, and 26 (24%) and 12 (11%) had an upper respiratory infection in the past week and 1 to 2 weeks, respectively. During anesthesia, Cdyn showed a decreasing trend (P < .001) while Raw showed an increasing trend (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that height (ß=0.177-0.193) had the strongest correlation with Cdyn; rales during pulmonary auscultation (ß= -2.727 to -1.363) and sputum suction (ß= -1.670 to -0.949) were also associated with Cdyn (all P < .05). Height was the factor with the strongest negative correlation with Raw (ß= -0.382 to -0.305). Rales during pulmonary auscultation (ß=10.063-11.326) and sputum suction (ß=3.863-9.003) were also associated with Raw (All P < .05).Height, rales during preoperative auscultation and sputum suction were all associated with intraoperative Cydn and Raw for pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy and should be considered before the surgery.

Reprodutibilidade das mensurações da mecânica respiratória em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva / Reproducibility of respiratory mechanics measurements in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador das mensurações da resistência e das complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo analítico realizado com indivíduos com idade ≥ 18 anos, em ventilação mecânica invasiva, que não tinham diagnóstico clínico de doença do aparelho respiratório e/ou anormalidade de caixa torácica. Foram realizadas três aferições da mecânica respiratória com intervalo de 1 minuto entre elas. A primeira e a terceira aferições foram realizadas pelo avaliador A e a segunda aferição, pelo avaliador B. A comparação dos valores de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório foi calculada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Resultados: Foram realizadas 198 aferições da mecânica respiratória em 66 pacientes sob ventilação mecânica, com idade média de 52,6 ± 18,6 anos, índice de massa corporal médio de 21,6 ± 2,1kg/m2, predomínio do perfil cirúrgico (61,5%) e sexo feminino (53,8%). Foram obtidos valores médios das três aferições para resistência do sistema respiratório (A1: 15,7 ± 6,8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15,7 ± 6,4cmH2O/L/s e A2: 15,9 ± 6,2cmH2O/L/s), para complacência estática do sistema respiratório (A1: 42,1 ± 13,7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42,4 ± 14,6mL/cmH2O e A2: 42,2 ± 14,5mL/cmH2O) e para complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (A1: 21,3 ± 7,3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21,4 ± 7,5mL/cmH2O e A2: 21,3 ± 6,2mL/cmH2O). Também foram encontrados valores do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para resistência do sistema respiratório (R = 0,882 e p = 0,001; R = 0,949 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,932 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador); complacência estática do sistema respiratório (R = 0,951 e p = 0,001; R = 0,958 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,965 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador) e complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (R = 0,957 e p = 0,001; R = 0,946 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2 respectivamente; R = 0,926 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador). Conclusão: A mensuração de mecânica respiratória apresenta boa reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador para as aferições de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes ventilados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra- and interexaminer reproducibility of measurements of the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system in patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: This was an analytical study conducted with individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were on invasive mechanical ventilation and had no clinical diagnosis of respiratory system disease and/or chest abnormality. Three measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed with a 1-minute interval between them. The first and third measurements were performed by examiner A, the second by examiner B. The values for the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system were compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 198 measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed for 66 patients on mechanical ventilation. The patients had a mean age of 52.6 ± 18.6 years and a mean body mass index of 21.6 ± 2.1kg/m2; a surgical profile (61.5%) and female sex (53.8%) were predominant. Mean values were obtained for the three measurements of respiratory system resistance (A1: 15.7 ± 6.8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15.7 ± 6.4cmH2O/L/s and A2: 15.9 ± 6.2cmH2O/L/s), respiratory system static compliance (A1: 42.1 ± 13.7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42.4 ± 14.6mL/cmH2O and A2: 42.2 ± 14.5mL/cmH2O) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (A1: 21.3 ± 7.3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21.4 ± 7.5mL/cmH2O and A2: 21.3 ± 6.2mL/cmH2O). The intraclass correlation coefficient was also calculated for respiratory system resistance (R = 0.882 and p = 0.001; R = 0.949 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.932 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer); respiratory system static compliance (R = 0.951 and p = 0.001; R = 0.958 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.965 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (R = 0.957 and p = 0.001; R = 0.946 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.926 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer). Conclusion: The measurements of resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system show good intra- and interexaminer reproducibility for ventilated patients.

Comparison of the effects of deep and moderate neuromuscular block on respiratory system compliance and surgical space conditions during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) requires pneumoperitoneum (Pnp) and a steep head-down position that may disturb respiratory system compliance (Crs) during surgery. Our aim was to compare the effects of different degrees of neuromuscular block (NMB) on Crs with the same Pnp pressure during RARP. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent RARP were enrolled and randomly allocated to a deep or moderate NMB group with 50 patients in each group. Rocuronium was administered to both groups: in the moderate NMB group to maintain 1-2 responses to train-of-four (TOF) stimulation; and in the deep NMB group to maintain no response to TOF stimulation and 1-2 responses in the post-tetanic count. Pnp pressure in both groups was 10 mmHg (1 mmHg=133.3 Pa). Peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), mean pressure (Pmean), Crs, and airway resistance (Raw) were recorded after anesthesia induction and at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min of Pnp and post-Pnp. Surgical space conditions were evaluated after the procedure on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: Immediately after the Pnp, Ppeak, Pmean, and Raw significantly increased, while Crs decreased and persisted during Pnp in both groups. The results did not significantly differ between the two groups at any of the time points. There was no difference in surgical space conditions between groups. Body movements occurred in 14 cases in the moderate NMB group and in one case in the deep NMB group, and all occurred during obturator lymphadenectomy. A significant difference between the two groups was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Under the same Pnp pressure in RARP, deep and moderate NMBs resulted in similar changes in Crs, and in other respiratory mechanics and surgical space conditions. However, deep NMB significantly reduced body movements during surgery.

Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Sustained Impairment of Lung Structure and Function and Increases Susceptibility to Hyperoxia-induced Lung Injury in Infant Rats.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during pregnancy is associated with increased respiratory morbidities and risk for chronic lung disease after preterm birth. However, the direct effects of maternal VDD on perinatal lung structure and function and whether maternal VDD increases the susceptibility of lung injury due to hyperoxia are uncertain. In the present study, we sought to determine whether maternal VDD is sufficient to impair lung structure and function and whether VDD increases the impact of hyperoxia on the developing rat lung. Four-week-old rats were fed VDD chow and housed in a room shielded from ultraviolet A/B light to achieve 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations <10 ng/ml at mating and throughout lactation. Lung structure was assessed at 2 weeks for radial alveolar count, mean linear intercept, pulmonary vessel density, and lung function (lung compliance and resistance). The effects of hyperoxia for 2 weeks after birth were assessed after exposure to fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.95. At 2 weeks, VDD offspring had decreased alveolar and vascular growth and abnormal airway reactivity and lung function. Impaired lung structure and function in VDD offspring were similar to those observed in control rats exposed to postnatal hyperoxia alone. Maternal VDD causes sustained abnormalities of distal lung growth, increases in airway hyperreactivity, and abnormal lung mechanics during infancy. These changes in VDD pups were as severe as those measured after exposure to postnatal hyperoxia alone. We speculate that antenatal disruption of vitamin D signaling increases the risk for late-childhood respiratory disease.

Body Position Alters Mechanical Power and Respiratory Mechanics During Thoracic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: During thoracic surgery, patients are usually positioned in lateral decubitus and only the dependent lung ventilated. The ventilated lung is thus exposed to the weight of the contralateral hemithorax and restriction of the dependent chest wall. We hypothesized that mechanical power would increase during one-lung ventilation in the lateral position. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, single-center study from December 2016 to May 2017. Thirty consecutive patients undergoing general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation (mean age, 68 ± 11 years; body mass index, 25 ± 5 kg·m) for thoracic surgery were enrolled. Total and partitioned mechanical power, lung and chest wall elastance, and esophageal pressure were compared in supine and lateral position with double- and one-lung ventilation and with closed and open chest both before and after surgery. Mixed factorial ANOVA for repeated measurements was performed, with both step and the period before or after surgery as 2 within-subject factors, and left or right body position during surgery as a fixed, between-subject factor. Appropriate interaction terms were included. RESULTS: The mechanical power was higher in lateral one-lung ventilation compared to both supine and lateral position double-lung ventilation (11.1 ± 3.0 vs 8.2 ± 2.7 vs 8.7 ± 2.6; mean difference, 2.9 J·minute [95% CI, 1.4-4.4 J·minute] and 2.4 J·minute [95% CI, 0.9-3.9 J·minute]; P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). Lung elastance was higher during lateral position one-lung ventilation compared to both lateral and supine double-lung ventilation (24.3 ± 8.7 vs 9.5 ± 3.8 vs 10.0 ± 3.8; mean difference, 14.7 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 11.2-18.2 cm H2O·L] and 14.2 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 10.8-17.7 cm H2O·L], respectively) and was higher compared to predicted values (20.1 ± 7.5 cm H2O·L). Chest wall elastance increased in lateral position double-lung ventilation compared to supine (11.1 ± 3.8 vs 6.6 ± 3.4; mean difference, 4.5 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 2.6-6.3 cm H2O·L]) and was lower in lateral position one-lung ventilation with open chest than with a closed chest (3.5 ± 1.9 vs 7.1 ± 2.8; mean difference, 3.6 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 2.4-4.8 cm H2O·L]). The end-expiratory esophageal pressure decreased moving from supine position to lateral position one-lung ventilation while increased with the opening of the chest wall. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical power and lung elastance are increased in the lateral position with one-lung ventilation. Esophageal pressure monitoring may be used to follow these changes.

Reduced Surfactant Contributes to Increased Lung Stiffness Induced by Rapid Inspiratory Flow.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism of fast inspiratory flow rate (VI') induced lung injury is unclear. As fast VI' increases hysteresis, a measure of surface tension at the air-liquid interface, surfactant release or function may be important. This experimental study examines the contribution of impaired surfactant release or function to dynamic-VILI. METHODS: Isolated perfused lungs from male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups: a long or short inspiratory time (Ti = 0.5 s; slow VI' or Ti = 0.1 s; fast VI') at PEEP of 2 or 10 cmH2O. Tidal volume was constant (7 ml/kg), with f = 60 breath/min. Forced impedance mechanics (tissue elastance (Htis), tissue resistance (Gtis) and airway resistance (Raw) were measured at 30, 60 and 90 min following which the lung was lavaged for surfactant phospholipids (PL) and disaturated PL (DSP). RESULTS: Fast VI' resulted in a stiffer lung. Concurrently, PL and DSP were decreased in both tubular myelin rich and poor fractions. Phospholipid decreases were similar with PEEP. In a subsequent cohort, laser confocal microscopy-based assessment demonstrated increased cellular injury with increased VI' at both 30 and 90 min ventilation. CONCLUSION: Rapid VI' may contribute to ventilator induced lung injury (VILI) through reduced surfactant release and/or more rapid reuptake despite unchanged tidal stretch.

Effect of transpulmonary pressure-guided positive end-expiratory pressure titration on lung injury in pigs with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

To investigate the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) guided by transpulmonary pressure or with maximum oxygenation-directed PEEP on lung injury in a porcine model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The porcine model of ARDS was induced in 12 standard pigs by intratracheal infusion with normal saline. The pigs were then randomly divided into two groups who were ventilated with the lung-protective strategy of low tidal volume (VT) (6 ml/kg), using different methods to titrate PEEP level: transpulmonary pressure (TP group; n = 6) or maximum oxygenation (MO group; n = 6). Gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics, and hemodynamics were determined and pulmonary inflammatory response indices were measured after 4 h of ventilation. The titrated PEEP level in the TP group (6.12 ± 0.89 cmH2O) was significantly lower than that in the MO group (11.33 ± 2.07 cmH2O) (P < 0.05). The PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) after PEEP titration both improved in the TP and MO groups as compared with that at T0 (when the criteria for ARDS were obtained). The P/F in the TP group did not differ significantly from that in the MO group during the 4 h of ventilation (P > 0.05). Respiratory system compliance and lung compliance were significantly improved in the TP group compared to the MO group (P < 0.05). The VD/VT in the TP group was significantly lower than that in the MO group after 4 h of ventilation (P < 0.05). Central venous pressure increased and the cardiac index decreased significantly in the MO group as compared with the TP group (P < 0.05), whereas oxygen delivery did not differ significantly between the groups (P > 0.05). The pulmonary vascular permeability index and the extravascular lung water index in the TP group were significantly lower than those in the MO group (P < 0.05). The TP group had a lower lung wet to dry weight ratio, lung injury score, and MPO, TNF-, and IL-8 concentrations than the MO group (P < 0.05). In summary, in a pig model of ARDS, ventilation with low VT and transpulmonary pressure-guided PEEP adjustment was associated with improved compliance, reduced dead space ventilation, increased cardiac output, and relieved lung injury, as compared to maximum oxygenation-guide PEEP adjustment.

Reduced lung elastic recoil and fixed airflow obstruction in asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fixed airflow obstruction (FAO) in asthma occurs despite optimal inhaled treatment and no smoking history, and remains a significant problem, particularly with increasing age and duration of asthma. Increased lung compliance and loss of lung elastic recoil has been observed in older people with asthma, but their link to FAO has not been established. We determined the relationship between abnormal lung elasticity and airflow obstruction in asthma. METHODS: Non-smoking asthmatic subjects aged >40 years, treated with 2 months of high-dose inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA), had FAO measured by spirometry, and respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (Rrs5 ) and respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz (Xrs5 ) measured by forced oscillation technique. Lung compliance (K) and elastic recoil (B/A) were calculated from pressure-volume curves measured by an oesophageal balloon. Linear correlations between K and B/A, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1 /FVC), Rrs5 and Xrs5 were assessed. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects (11 males; mean ± SD age: 64 ± 8 years, asthma duration: 39 ± 22 years) had moderate FAO measured by spirometry ((mean ± SD z-score) post-bronchodilator FEV1 : -2.2 ± 0.5, FVC: -0.7 ± 1.0, FEV1 /FVC: -2.6 ± 0.7) and by increased Rrs5 (median (IQR) z-score) 2.7 (1.9 to 3.2) and decreased Xrs5 : -4.1(-2.4 to -7.3). Lung compliance (K) was increased in 9 of 18 subjects and lung elastic recoil (B/A) reduced in 5 of 18 subjects. FEV1 /FVC correlated negatively with K (rs = -0.60, P = 0.008) and Rrs5 correlated negatively with B/A (rs = -0.52, P = 0.026), independent of age. Xrs5 did not correlate with lung elasticity indices. CONCLUSION: Increased lung compliance and loss of elastic recoil relate to airflow obstruction in older non-smoking asthmatic subjects, independent of ageing. Thus, structural lung tissue changes may contribute to persistent, steroid-resistant airflow obstruction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN126150000985583 at anzctr.org.au (UTN: U1111-1156-2795).

Determinants of the esophageal-pleural pressure relationship in humans.

Esophageal pressure has been suggested as adequate surrogate of the pleural pressure. We investigate after lung surgery the determinants of the esophageal and intrathoracic pressures and their differences. The esophageal pressure (through esophageal balloon) and the intrathoracic/pleural pressure (through the chest tube on the surgery side) were measured after surgery in 28 patients immediately after lobectomy or wedge resection. Measurements were made in the nondependent lateral position (without or with ventilation of the operated lung) and in the supine position. In the lateral position with the nondependent lung, collapsed or ventilated, the differences between esophageal and pleural pressure amounted to 4.4 ± 1.6 and 5.1 ± 1.7 cmH2O. In the supine position, the difference amounted to 7.3 ± 2.8 cmH2O. In the supine position, the estimated compressive forces on the mediastinum were 10.5 ± 3.1 cmH2O and on the iso-gravitational pleural plane 3.2 ± 1.8 cmH2O. A simple model describing the roles of chest, lung, and pneumothorax volume matching on the pleural pressure genesis was developed; modeled pleural pressure = 1.0057 × measured pleural pressure + 0.6592 (r2 = 0.8). Whatever the position and the ventilator settings, the esophageal pressure changed in a 1:1 ratio with the changes in pleural pressure. Consequently, chest wall elastance (Ecw) measured by intrathoracic (Ecw = ΔPpl/tidal volume) or esophageal pressure (Ecw = ΔPes/tidal volume) was identical in all the positions we tested. We conclude that esophageal and pleural pressures may be largely different depending on body position (gravitational forces) and lung-chest wall volume matching. Their changes, however, are identical.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Esophageal and pleural pressure changes occur at a 1:1 ratio, fully justifying the use of esophageal pressure to compute the chest wall elastance and the changes in pleural pressure and in lung stress. The absolute value of esophageal and pleural pressures may be largely different, depending on the body position (gravitational forces) and the lung-chest wall volume matching. Therefore, the absolute value of esophageal pressure should not be used as a surrogate of pleural pressure.

[Comparison of pressure-controlled volume-guaranteed ventilation and volume-controlled ventilation in obese patients during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position]. / Comparação entre ventilação garantida por volume controlado por pressão e ventilação controlada por volume em pacientes obesos durante cirurgia laparoscópica ginecológica na posição de Trendelenburg.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the pressure-controlled, volume-guaranteed (PCV-VG) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) modes for maintaining adequate airway pressures, lung compliance and oxygenation in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Trendelenburg position. METHODS: Patients (104) who underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery with a body mass index between 30 and 40kg.m-2 were randomized to receive either VCV or PCV-VG ventilation. The tidal volume was set at 8mL.kg-1, with an inspired oxygen concentration of 0.4 with a Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5mmHg. The peak inspiratory pressure, mean inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, dynamic compliance, respiratory rate, exhaled tidal volume, etCO2, arterial blood gas analysis, heart rate and mean arterial pressure at 5minutes after induction of anesthesia in the and at 5, 30 and 60minutes, respectively, after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position were recorded. RESULTS: The PCV-VG group had significantly decreased peak inspiratory pressure, mean inspiratory pressur, plateau pressure, driving pressure and increased dynamic compliance compared to the VCV group. Mean PaO2 levels were significantly higher in the PCV-VG group than in the VCV group at every time point after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. CONCLUSIONS: The PCV-VG mode of ventilation limited the peak inspiratory pressure, decreased the driving pressure and increased the dynamic compliance compared to VCV in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. PCV-VG may be a preferable modality to prevent barotrauma during laparoscopic surgeries in obese patients.

Comparison of pressure-controlled volume-guaranteed ventilation and volume-controlled ventilation in obese patients during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position / Comparação entre ventilação garantida por volume controlado por pressão e ventilação controlada por volume em pacientes obesos durante cirurgia laparoscópica ginecológica na posição de Trendelenburg

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the pressure-controlled, volume-guaranteed (PCV-VG) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) modes for maintaining adequate airway pressures, lung compliance and oxygenation in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Trendelenburg position. Methods: Patients (104) who underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery with a body mass index between 30 and 40 kg.m-2 were randomized to receive either VCV or PCV-VG ventilation. The tidal volume was set at 8 mL.kg-1, with an inspired oxygen concentration of 0.4 with a Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5 mmHg. The peak inspiratory pressure, mean inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, dynamic compliance, respiratory rate, exhaled tidal volume, etCO2, arterial blood gas analysis, heart rate and mean arterial pressure at 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia in the and at 5, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position were recorded. Results: The PCV-VG group had significantly decreased peak inspiratory pressure, mean inspiratory pressur, plateau pressure, driving pressure and increased dynamic compliance compared to the VCV group. Mean PaO2 levels were significantly higher in the PCV-VG group than in the VCV group at every time point after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Conclusions: The PCV-VG mode of ventilation limited the peak inspiratory pressure, decreased the driving pressure and increased the dynamic compliance compared to VCV in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. PCV-VG may be a preferable modality to prevent barotrauma during laparoscopic surgeries in obese patients.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a eficácia dos modos de ventilação garantida por volume controlado por pressão (PCV-VG) e ventilação controlada por volume (VCV) para manter pressões adequadas nas vias aéreas, complacência pulmonar e oxigenação em pacientes obesos submetidos à histerectomia laparoscópica na posição de Trendelenburg. Métodos: Cento e quatro pacientes submetidos à cirurgia ginecológica laparoscópica, com índice de massa corporal entre 30 e 40 kg.m-2, foram randomizados para receber ventilação com VCV ou PCV-VG. O volume corrente foi fixado em 8 mL.kg-1, com uma concentração inspirada de oxigênio de 0,4 e pressão positiva expiratória final (PEEP) de 5 mmHg. Registramos os seguintes parâmetros: pressão de pico inspiratório, pressão inspiratória média, pressão de platô, driving pressure, complacência dinâmica, frequência respiratória, volume corrente expirado, etCO2, gasometria arterial, frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial média aos 5, 30 e 60 minutos, respectivamente, após o pneumoperitônio na posição de Trendelenburg. Resultados: O grupo PCV-VG apresentou uma redução significativa da pressão de pico inspiratório, pressão inspiratória média, pressão de platô, driving pressure e aumento da complacência dinâmica comparado ao grupo VCV. Os níveis médios de PaO2 foram significativamente maiores no grupo PCV-VG do que no grupo VCV em todos os momentos após o pneumoperitônio na posição de Trendelenburg. Conclusões: O modo de ventilação PCV-VG limitou a pressão de pico inspiratório, diminuiu a driving pressure e aumentou a complacência dinâmica, comparado ao VCV em pacientes obesas submetidas à histerectomia laparoscópica. O PCV-VG pode ser uma modalidade preferida para prevenir o barotrauma durante cirurgias laparoscópicas em pacientes obesos.

Neonatal Airway Management.

Safe and effective airway management of neonates requires unique knowledge and clinical skills. Practitioners should have an understanding of neonatal airway anatomy and respiratory physiology and their clinical implications related to airway management. It is vital to recognize the potential sequelae of prematurity. Clinicians should be familiar with the skills and techniques available for managing normal neonatal airways. This review provides stepwise considerations for managing the neonatal airway: specific considerations for neonatal airway management, assessment and preparation, induction and premedication, and techniques and strategies for airway management in patients with normal anatomy and in patients who are difficult to intubate.