Abstract
Objective: We have investigated the role that improvement in arterial oxygenation has, consequent on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), in the reduction of cardiac index (CI) determined by applying PEEP. Design: 2 × 2 factorial trial. Setting: Department of intensive care medicine at a university hospital. Patients: 13 patients on mechanical ventilation for acute lung injury. Interventions: Four experimental conditions, each one characterized by one level of PEEP and one level of PaO2: LOLP = Low PaO2 (∼ 50 mmHg) Low PEEP (∼ 1 cmH2O) LOHP = Low PaO2 (∼ 50 mmHg) High PEEP (∼ 10 cmH2O) HOLP = High PaO2 (∼ 80 mmHg) Low PEEP (∼ 1 cmH2O) HOHP = High PaO2 (∼ 80 mmHg) High PEEP (∼ 10 cmH2O) Measurements and results: Hemodynamic and gas exchange data were collected for each experimental condition. CI showed a 13% decline from LOLP (7.0 ± 1.71/min per m2) to HOHP (6.1 ± 1.31/min per m2). Both the direct effect of PEEP on the CI (LOLP + HOLP vs LOHP + HOHP, p <0.01) and the indirect effect related to the improvement in oxygenation (LOLP + LOHP vs HOLP + HOHP. p <0.01) contributed to the reduction in CI. Conclusions: In evaluating CI changes induced by PEEP we should take into account the indirect effect of arterial oxygenation upon CI. This should be considered, at least in part, as a physiological adjustment rather than as impaired cardiovascular performance.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 382-386 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Intensive Care Medicine |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Keywords
- Cardiac index
- Oxygenation
- PEEP
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine