Improving the intensive care experience from the perspectives of different stakeholders.

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex environment where patients, family members and healthcare professionals have their own personal experiences. Improving ICU experiences necessitates the involvement of all stakeholders. This holistic approach will invariably improve the care of ICU survivors, increase family satisfaction and staff wellbeing, and contribute to dignified end-of-life care. Inclusive and transparent participation of the industry can be a significant addition to develop tools and strategies for delivering this holistic care. We present a report, which follows a round table on ICU experience at the annual congress of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. The aim is to discuss the current evidence on patient, family and healthcare professional experience in ICU is provided, together with the panel's suggestions on potential improvements. Combined with industry, the perspectives of all stakeholders suggest that ongoing improvement of ICU experience is warranted.

Noninvasive Estimation of Arterial CO2 From End-Tidal CO2 in Mechanically Ventilated Children: The GRAeDIENT Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our pilot study was to develop a model to better predict Paco2 in mechanically ventilated children using noninvasive parameters including volumetric capnography. DESIGN: Prospective clinical pilot study. SETTING: Level III PICU. PATIENTS: Sixty-five mechanically ventilated children. INTERVENTIONS: None. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective clinical pilot study that included all children admitted to the PICU (< 18 yr; weight, > 3 kg; mechanically ventilated, > 6 hr; with an arterial line). A predictive model for PaCO2 was developed using linear multivariable regression. Among the data collected in PICU patients, candidate predictors of PaCO2 were defined by a panel of experts and included end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, ventilation parameters, and data resulting from the analysis of volumetric capnogram recorded 5 minutes before an arterial blood gas. Children with tidal volume less than 30 mL were excluded because of technical limits. RESULTS: A total of 65 children (43 boys, 65%) (65 [21-150] mo old) were analyzed. By linear multivariable regression, the best model included the mean airway pressure, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, FIO2, and the capnographic index with an R equal to 0.90, p value less than 0.001. After correction, 95% (n = 62) of children had an estimated PaCO2 at ± 5 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: Our model developed provides an accurate estimation of the PaCO2 using end-tidal CO2 and noninvasive variables. Studies are needed to validate the equation in PICUs.

Closed loop mechanical ventilation.

Mechanical ventilation is a sophisticated technique with very narrow therapeutic ranges i.e. highly efficient and able to keep alive the most severe patients, but with considerable side effects and unwanted complications if not properly and timely used. Computerized protocols, closed loop systems, decision support, all terms which need to be defined, may help making mechanical ventilation safer and more efficient. The present paper will provide a short overview on technical and engineering considerations regarding closed loop controlled ventilation as well as tangible clinical evidences supporting the previous statement.

Prospective randomized crossover study of a new closed-loop control system versus pressure support during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Intellivent is a new full closed-loop controlled ventilation that automatically adjusts both ventilation and oxygenation parameters. The authors compared gas exchange and breathing pattern variability of Intellivent and pressure support ventilation (PSV). METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, single-blind design crossover study, 14 patients were ventilated during the weaning phase, with Intellivent or PSV, for two periods of 24 h in a randomized order. Arterial blood gases were obtained after 1, 8, 16, and 24 h with each mode. Ventilatory parameters were recorded continuously in a breath-by-breath basis during the two study periods. The primary endpoint was oxygenation, estimated by the calculation of the difference between the PaO2/FIO2 ratio obtained after 24 h of ventilation and the PaO2/FIO2 ratio obtained at baseline in each mode. The variability in the ventilatory parameters was also evaluated by the coefficient of variation (SD to mean ratio). RESULTS: There were no adverse events or safety issues requiring premature interruption of both modes. The PaO2/FIO2 (mean ± SD) ratio improved significantly from 245 ± 75 at baseline to 294 ± 123 (P = 0.03) after 24 h of Intellivent. The coefficient of variation of inspiratory pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure (median [interquartile range]) were significantly higher with Intellivent, 16 [11-21] and 15 [7-23]%, compared with 6 [5-7] and 7 [5-10]% in PSV. Inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and FIO2 changes were adjusted significantly more often with Intellivent compared with PSV. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PSV, Intellivent during a 24-h period improved the PaO2/FIO2 ratio in parallel with more variability in the ventilatory support and more changes in ventilation settings.

A pilot prospective study on closed loop controlled ventilation and oxygenation in ventilated children during the weaning phase.

INTRODUCTION: The present study is a pilot prospective safety evaluation of a new closed loop computerised protocol on ventilation and oxygenation in stable, spontaneously breathing children weighing more than 7 kg, during the weaning phase of mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Mechanically ventilated children ready to start the weaning process were ventilated for five periods of 60 minutes in the following order: pressure support ventilation, adaptive support ventilation (ASV), ASV plus a ventilation controller (ASV-CO2), ASV-CO2 plus an oxygenation controller (ASV-CO2-O2) and pressure support ventilation again. Based on breath-by-breath analysis, the percentage of time with normal ventilation as defined by a respiratory rate between 10 and 40 breaths/minute, tidal volume > 5 ml/kg predicted body weight and end-tidal CO2 between 25 and 55 mmHg was determined. The number of manipulations and changes on the ventilator were also recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen children, median aged 45 months, were investigated. No adverse event and no premature protocol termination were reported. ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2 kept the patients within normal ventilation for, respectively, 94% (91 to 96%) and 94% (87 to 96%) of the time. The tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory airway pressure and minute ventilation were equivalent for all modalities, although there were more automatic setting changes in ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2. Positive end-expiratory pressure modifications by ASV-CO2-O2 require further investigation. CONCLUSION: Over the short study period and in this specific population, ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2 were safe and kept the patient under normal ventilation most of the time. Further research is needed, especially for positive end-expiratory pressure modifications by ASV-CO2-O2. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01095406.

Adaptive support ventilation: an appropriate mechanical ventilation strategy for acute respiratory distress syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Adaptive support ventilation (ASV) allows the clinician to set a maximum plateau pressure (PP) and automatically adjusts tidal volume to keep PP below the set maximum. METHODS: ASV was compared to a fixed tidal volume of 6 ml/kg. ASV determined the respiratory rate and tidal volume based on its algorithms. Maximum airway pressure limit was 28 cm H2O in ASV. Six sets of lung mechanics were simulated for two ideal body weights: 60 kg, Group I; 80 kg, Group II. Positive end expiratory pressure was 8, 12, and 16 cm H2O, and target minute volume 120%, 150%, and 200% of predicted minute volume. RESULTS: ASV "sacrificed" tidal volume and minute ventilation to maintain PP in 9 (17%) of 54 scenarios in Group I and 20 (37%) of 54 scenarios in Group II. In Group I, the number of scenarios with PP of 28 cm H2O or more was 14 for ASV (26%) and 19 for 6 ml/kg (35%). In these scenarios, mean PP were ASV 28.8 +/- 0.86 cm H2O (min 28, max 30.3) and 6 ml/kg 33.01 +/- 3.48 cm H2O (min 28, max 37.8) (P = 0.000). In group II, the number of scenarios PP of 28 cm H2O or more was 10 for ASV (19%) and 21 for 6 ml/kg (39%). In these cases, mean PP values were ASV 28.78 +/- 0.54 cm H2O (min 28, max 29.6) and 6 ml/kg 32.66 +/- 3.37 cm H2O (min 28.2, max 38.2) (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In a lung model with varying mechanics, ASV is better able to prevent the potential damaging effects of excessive PP (greater than 28 cm H2O) than a fixed tidal volume of 6 ml/kg by automatically adjusting airway pressure, resulting in a decreased tidal volume.

Adaptive support and pressure support ventilation behavior in response to increased ventilatory demand.

BACKGROUND: Dual-control modes of ventilation adapt the pressure delivery to keep a volume target in response to changes in respiratory mechanics, but they may respond poorly to changes in ventilatory demand. Adaptive support ventilation (ASV), a complex minute volume-targeted pressure-regulated ventilation, was compared to adaptive pressure ventilation (APV), a dual-mode in which the pressure level is adjusted to deliver a preset tidal volume, and to pressure support ventilation (PSV) when facing an increase in ventilatory demand. METHODS: A total of 14 intensive care unit patients being weaned off mechanical ventilation were included in this randomized crossover study. The effect of adding a heat-and-moisture exchanger to augment circuit dead space was assessed with a same fixed level of ASV, PSV, and APV. RESULTS: Arterial blood gases, ventilator response, and patient respiratory effort parameters were evaluated at the end of the six periods. Adding dead space significantly increased minute ventilation and PaCO2 values with the three modes. Indexes of respiratory effort (pressure-time index of respiratory muscles and work of breathing) increased with all ventilatory modes after dead-space augmentation. This increase was significantly greater with APV than with PSV or ASV (P < 0.05). The assistance delivered during APV decreased significantly with dead-space from 12.7 +/- 2.6 to 6.7 +/- 1.4 cm H2O, whereas no change occurred with ASV and PSV. CONCLUSIONS: ASV and PSV behaved differently but ended up with similar pressure level facing acute changes in ventilatory demand, by contrast to APV (a simple volume-guaranteed pressure-control mode), in which an increase in ventilatory demand results in a decrease in the pressure support provided by the ventilator.

Recruitability of the lung estimated by the pressure volume curve hysteresis in ARDS patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the hysteresis of the pressure-volume curve (PV curve) as to estimate, easily and at the bedside, the recruitability of the lung in ARDS patients. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Twelve medico-surgical ICU beds of a general hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-six patients within the first 24 h from meeting ARDS criteria. INTERVENTION: A Quasi-static inflation and deflation PV curve from 0 to 40 cmH(2)O and a 40 cmH(2)O recruitment maneuver (RM) maintained for 10 s were successively done with an interval of 30 min in between. RECORDINGS AND CALCULATION: Hysteresis of the PV curve (H(PV)) was calculated as the ratio of the area enclosed by the pressure volume loop divided by the predicted body weight (PBW). The volume increase during the RM (V(RM)) was measured by integration of the flow required to maintain the pressure at 40 cmH(2)O and divided by PBW, as an estimation of the volume recruited during the RM. RESULTS: A positive linear correlation was found between H(PV) and V(RM) (r = 0.81, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest using the hysteresis of the PV curve to assess the recruitability of the lung.

Automatic selection of breathing pattern using adaptive support ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: In a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients to compare the automatic tidal volume (VT)-respiratory rate (RR) combination generated by adaptive support ventilation (ASV) for various lung conditions. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational cohort study in the 11-bed medicosurgical ICU of a general hospital. PATIENTS: 243 patients receiving 1327 days of invasive ventilation on ASV. MEASUREMENTS: Daily collection of ventilator settings, breathing pattern, arterial blood gases, and underlying clinical respiratory conditions categorized as: normal lungs, ALI/ARDS, COPD, chest wall stiffness, or acute respiratory failure. RESULTS: Overall the respiratory mechanics differed significantly with the underlying conditions. In passive patients ASV delivered different VT-RR combinations based on the underlying condition, providing higher VT and lower RR in COPD than in ALI/ARDS: 9.3ml/kg (8.2-10.8) predicted body weight (PBW) and 13 breaths/min (11-16) vs. 7.6ml/kg (6.7-8.8) PBW and 18 breaths/min (16-22). In patients actively triggering the ventilator the VT-RR combinations did not differ between COPD, ALI/ARDS, and normal lungs. CONCLUSIONS: ASV selects different VT-RR combinations based on respiratory mechanics in passive, mechanically ventilated patients.

Closed-loop ventilation: an emerging standard of care?

The rational for using closed loop ventilation is becoming strong and stronger. Studies are now available supporting the hypothesis that patient outcome is improved by using closed loop ventilation. In the highly sophisticated ICU world driven by the triumvirate of cost-efficiency, quality, and safety, closed loop ventilation will become definitely unavoidable. The challenge is how to make that change effortless, "friendly" and as fast as possible. Introducing novel graphical user interfaces and providing data displays that are pertinent, integrative and dynamic will reduce cognitive resources of the clinician and have the potential to make ventilation safer. They may be the key to adopt closed loop ventilation in everyday practice.

Assessment of Bohr and Enghoff Dead Space Equations in Mechanically Ventilated Children.

BACKGROUND: Recent findings suggest that using alveolar PCO2 (PACO2 ) estimated by volumetric capnography in the Bohr equation instead of PaCO2 (Enghoff modification) could be appropriate for the calculation of physiological dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT Bohr and VD/VT Enghoff, respectively). We aimed to describe the relationship between these 2 measurements in mechanically ventilated children and their significance in cases of ARDS. METHODS: From June 2013 to December 2013, mechanically ventilated children with various respiratory conditions were included in this study. Demographic data, medical history, and ventilatory parameters were recorded. Volumetric capnography indices (NM3 monitor) were obtained over a period of 5 min preceding a blood sample. Bohr's and Enghoff's dead space, S2 and S3 slopes, and the S2/S3 ratio were calculated breath-by-breath using dedicated software (FlowTool). This study was approved by Ste-Justine research ethics review board. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects were analyzed. Mean VD/VT Bohr was 0.39 ± 0.12, and VD/VT Enghoff was 0.47 ± 0.13 (P = .02). The difference between VD/VT Bohr and VD/VT Enghoff was correlated with PaO2 /FIO2 and with S2/S3. In subjects without lung disease (PaO2 /FIO2 ≥ 300), mean VD/VT Bohr was 0.36 ± 0.11, and VD/VT Enghoff was 0.39 ± 0.11 (P = .056). Two children with status asthmaticus had a major difference between VD/VT Bohr and VD/VT Enghoff in the absence of a low PaO2 /FIO2 . CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that VD/VT Bohr and VD/VT Enghoff are not different when there is no hypoxemia (PaO2 /FIO2 > 300) except in the case of status asthmaticus. In subjects with a low PaO2 /FIO2 , the method to measure VD/VT must be reported, and results cannot be easily compared if the measurement methods are not the same.

Chaotic dynamics of resting ventilatory flow in humans assessed through noise titration.

The mammalian ventilatory behaviour exhibits nonlinear dynamics as reflected by certain nonlinearity or complexity indicators (e.g. correlation dimension, approximate entropy, Lyapunov exponents, etc.) but this is not sufficient to determine its possible chaotic nature. To address this, we applied the noise titration technique, previously shown to discern and quantify chaos in short and noisy time series, to ventilatory flow recordings obtained in quietly breathing normal humans. Nine subjects (8 men and 1 woman, 24-42 years) were studied during 15-min epochs of ventilatory steady-state (10.1+/-3.0 breaths/min, tidal volume 0.63+/-0.2 L). Noise titration applied to the unfiltered signals subsampled at 5 Hz detected nonlinearity in all cases (noise limit 20.2+/-12.5%). Noise limit values were weakly correlated to the correlation dimension and the largest Lyapunov exponent of the signals. This study shows that the noise titration approach evidences a chaotic dimension to the behavior of ventilatory flow over time in normal humans during tidal breathing.

Closed-loop ventilation mode (IntelliVent®-ASV) in intensive care unit: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Closed-loop modes automatically adjust ventilation settings, delivering individualized ventilation over short periods of time. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare safety, efficacy and workload for the health care team between IntelliVent®-ASV and conventional modes over a 48-hour period. METHODS: ICU patients admitted with an expected duration of mechanical ventilation of more than 48 hours were randomized to IntelliVent®-ASV or conventional ventilation modes. All ventilation parameters were recorded breath-by-breath. The number of manual adjustments assesses workload for the healthcare team. Safety and efficacy were assessed by calculating the time spent within previously defined ranges of non-optimal and optimal ventilation, respectively. RESULTS: Eighty patients were analyzed. The median values of ventilation parameters over 48 hours were similar in both groups except for PEEP (7[4] cmH2O versus 6[3] cmH2O with IntelliVent®-ASV and conventional ventilation, respectively, P=0.028) and PETCO2 (36±7 mmHg with IntelliVent®-ASV versus 40±8 mmHg with conventional ventilation, P=0.041). Safety was similar between IntelliVent®-ASV and conventional ventilation for all parameters except for PMAX, which was more often non-optimal with IntelliVent®-ASV (P=0.001). Efficacy was comparable between the 2 ventilation strategies, except for SpO2 and VT, which were more often optimal with IntelliVent®-ASV (P=0.005, P=0.016, respectively). IntelliVent®-ASV required less manual adjustments than conventional ventilation (P<0.001) for a higher total number of adjustments (P<0.001). The coefficient of variation over 48 hours was larger with IntelliVent®-ASV in regard of maximum pressure, inspiratory pressure (PINSP), and PEEP as compared to conventional ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: IntelliVent®-ASV required less manual intervention and delivered more variable PEEP and PINSP, while delivering ventilation safe and effective ventilation in terms of VT, RR, SpO2 and PETCO2.

Adaptive support ventilation with and without end-tidal CO2 closed loop control versus conventional ventilation.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to compare adaptive support ventilation with and without closed loop control by end tidal CO2 (ASVCO2, ASV) with pressure (PC) and volume control ventilation (VC) during simulated clinical scenarios [normal lungs (N), COPD, ARDS, brain injury (BI)]. METHODS: A lung model was used to simulate representative compliance (mL/cmH2O): resistance (cmH2O/L/s) combinations, 45:5 for N and BI, 60:7.7 for COPD, 15:7.7 and 35:7.7 for ARDS. Two levels of PEEP (cmH2O) were used for each scenario, 12/16 for ARDS, and 5/10 for others. The CO2 productions of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL/kg predicted body weight/min were simulated. Tidal volume was set to 6 mL/kg during VC and PC. Outcomes of interest were end tidal CO2 (etCO2) and plateau pressure (P Plat). RESULTS: EtCO2 levels in N and BI and COPD were similar for all modes. In ARDS, etCO2 was higher in ASVCO2 than in other modes (p < 0.001). Under all mechanical conditions ASVCO2 revealed a narrower range of etCO2. P Plat was similar for all modes in all scenarios but ARDS where P Plat in ASV and ASVCO2 were lower than in VC (p = 0.001). When P Plat was ≥ 28 cmH2O, P plat in ASV and ASVCO2 were lower than in VC and PC (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: All modes performed similarly in most cases. Minor differences observed were in favor of the closed loop modes. Overall, ASVCO2 maintained tighter CO2 control. The ASVCO2 had the greatest impact during ARDS allowing etCO2 to increase and protecting against hypocapnia evident with other modes while ensuring lower P plat and tidal volumes.

Evaluation of fully automated ventilation: a randomized controlled study in post-cardiac surgery patients.

PURPOSE: Discrepancies between the demand and availability of clinicians to care for mechanically ventilated patients can be anticipated due to an aging population and to increasing severity of illness. The use of closed-loop ventilation provides a potential solution. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of a fully automated ventilator. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing automated ventilation (AV) and protocolized ventilation (PV) in 60 ICU patients after cardiac surgery. In the PV group, tidal volume, respiratory rate, FiO(2) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were set according to the local hospital protocol based on currently available guidelines. In the AV group, only sex, patient height and a maximum PEEP level of 10 cmH(2)O were set. The primary endpoint was the duration of ventilation within a "not acceptable" range of tidal volume. Zones of optimal, acceptable and not acceptable ventilation were based on several respiratory parameters and defined a priori. RESULTS: The patients were assigned equally to each group, 30 to PV and 30 to AV. The percentage of time within the predefined zones of optimal, acceptable and not acceptable ventilation were 12 %, 81 %, and 7 % respectively with PV, and 89.5 %, 10 % and 0.5 % with AV (P < 0.001). There were 148 interventions required during PV compared to only 5 interventions with AV (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fully AV was safe in hemodynamically stable patients immediately following cardiac surgery. In addition to a reduction in the number of interventions, the AV system maintained patients within a predefined target range of optimal ventilation.

Safety and efficacy of a fully closed-loop control ventilation (IntelliVent-ASV®) in sedated ICU patients with acute respiratory failure: a prospective randomized crossover study.

PURPOSE: IntelliVent-ASV(®) is a development of adaptive support ventilation (ASV) that automatically adjusts ventilation and oxygenation parameters. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of IntelliVent-ASV(®) in sedated intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory failure. METHODS: This prospective randomized crossover comparative study was conducted in a 12-bed ICU in a general hospital. Two periods of 2 h of ventilation in randomly applied ASV or IntelliVent-ASV(®) were compared in 50 sedated, passively ventilated patients. Tidal volume (V(T)), respiratory rate (RR), inspiratory pressure (P(INSP)), SpO(2) and E(T)CO(2) were continuously monitored and recorded breath by breath. Mean values over the 2-h period were calculated. Respiratory mechanics, plateau pressure (P(PLAT)) and blood gas exchanges were measured at the end of each period. RESULTS: There was no safety issue requiring premature interruption of IntelliVent-ASV(®). Minute ventilation (MV) and V(T) decreased from 7.6 (6.5-9.5) to 6.8 (6.0-8.0) L/min (p < 0.001) and from 8.3 (7.8-9.0) to 8.1 (7.7-8.6) mL/kg PBW (p = 0.003) during IntelliVent-ASV(®) as compared to ASV. P(PLAT) and FiO(2) decreased from 24 (20-29) to 20 (19-25) cmH(2)O (p = 0.005) and from 40 (30-50) to 30 (30-39) % (p < 0.001) during IntelliVent-ASV(®) as compared to ASV. RR, P(INSP), and PEEP decreased as well during IntelliVent-ASV(®) as compared to ASV. Respiratory mechanics, pH, PaO(2) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio were not different but PaCO(2) was slightly higher during IntelliVent-ASV(®) as compared to ASV. CONCLUSIONS: In passive patients with acute respiratory failure, IntelliVent-ASV(®) was safe and able to ventilate patients with less pressure, volume and FiO(2) while producing the same results in terms of oxygenation.

Development and implementation of explicit computerized protocols for mechanical ventilation in children.

Mechanical ventilation can be perceived as a treatment with a very narrow therapeutic window, i.e., highly efficient but with considerable side effects if not used properly and in a timely manner. Protocols and guidelines have been designed to make mechanical ventilation safer and protective for the lung. However, variable effects and low compliance with use of written protocols have been reported repeatedly. Use of explicit computerized protocols for mechanical ventilation might very soon become a "must." Several closed loop systems are already on the market, and preliminary studies are showing promising results in providing patients with good quality ventilation and eventually weaning them faster from the ventilator. The present paper defines explicit computerized protocols for mechanical ventilation, describes how these protocols are designed, and reports the ones that are available on the market for children.

Optimal duration of a sustained inflation recruitment maneuver in ARDS patients.

PURPOSE: To measure the dynamics of recruitment and the hemodynamic status during a sustained inflation recruitment maneuver (RM) in order to determine the optimal duration of RM in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a general hospital. A 40 cmH(2)O sustained inflation RM maintained for 30 s was performed in 50 sedated ventilated patients within the first 24 h of meeting ARDS criteria. Invasive arterial pressures, heart rate, and SpO(2) were measured at 10-s intervals during the RM. The volume increase during the RM was measured by integration of the flow required to maintain the pressure at 40 cmH(2)O, which provides an estimation of the volume recruited during the RM. Raw data were corrected for gas consumption and fitted with an exponential curve in order to determine an individual time constant for the volume increase. RESULTS: The average volume increase and time constant were 210 ± 198 mL and 2.3 ± 1.3 s, respectively. Heart rate, diastolic arterial pressure, and SpO(2) did not change during or after the RM. Systolic and mean arterial pressures were maintained at 10 s, decreased significantly at 20 and 30 s during the RM, and recovered to the pre-RM value 30 s after the end of the RM (ANOVA, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In early-onset ARDS patients, most of the recruitment occurs during the first 10 s of a sustained inflation RM. However, hemodynamic impairment is significant after the tenth second of RM.