Abstract

Background: Mechanical ventilation may contribute to lung injury and then enhance systemic inflammation. Optimal ventilatory parameters such as tidal volume (V T) and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) can be determined using different methods. Low flow pressure volume (P/V-LF) curve is a useful tool to assess the respiratory system mechanics and set ventilatory parameters. Aim: To set V T and PEEP according P/V-LF curve analysis and evaluate its effects on gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters. Materials and methods: Twenty seven patients underwent P/V-LF within the first 72 hours of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). P/V-LF curves were obtained from the ventilator and both lower and upper inflexion points determined. Gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after modifying ventilator settings guided by P/V-LF curves. Results: Ventilatory parameters set according P/V-LF curve, led to a rise of PEEP and reduction of V T: 11.6