Thursday May 7, 2009
Influence of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on left ventricular regional wall motion in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities have been described with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Study was conducted to assess global and regional LV performance in response to PEEP by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in patients with ARDS. Study was conducted on eight critically ill patients with normal systolic LV function requiring mechanical ventilation (tidal volume 6-8 ml/kg, PEEP 12 ± 2 cmH2O) due to ARDS.

Measurements: Regional and global LV performance were assessed at PEEP levels of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cmH2O.

Results: PEEP =15 cmH2O produced a significant reduction in systolic septal wall motion (hypokinesia) and a significant augmentation of lateral systolic wall motion (hyperkinesia). Global LV performance - measured as fractional area change - was not significantly affected.



Reference: Click to get abstract

Influence of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on left ventricular regional wall motion in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): from 22nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Brussels, Belgium. 19–22 March 2002 Critical Care 2002, 6(Suppl 1):P14