Table 2

Ventilatory pattern, gas exchange and respiratory effort

Parameter
P
Pressure support (cmH2O)





5
10
15
25

Tidal volume (l)
<0.001
0.340 ± 0.048
0.432 ± 0.064
0.610 ± 0.063
0.852 ± 0.070
Frequency (minute-1)
<0.001
27.7 ± 2.9
22.1 ± 2.6
15.9 ± 2.2
11.9 ± 1.7
Minute ventilation (l/minute)
NS
8.5 ± 0.8
8.9 ± 1.2
8.6 ± 0.7
9.5 ± 1.2
Pao2/Fio2 (mmHg)
0.042
299.3 ± 22.0
263.1 ± 22.8
288.2 ± 22.3
320.0 ± 25.4
Paco2 (mmHg)
NS
35.4 ± 2.4
33.9 ± 2.7
33.9 ± 2.2
33.8 ± 2.0
f/Vt (1/l·minute)
<0.001
97.9 ± 15.4
61.2 ± 9.9
33.3 ± 9.3
16.2 ± 3.6
WOB (J/minute)
<0.001
4.9 ± 1.0
3.8 ± 1.7
1.2 ± 0.6
0.0 ± 0.0a
PTP (cmH2O s/minute)
<0.001
106.1 ± 18.3
61.9 ± 21.8
16.3 ± 8.6
0.1 ± 0.1
P0.1 (cmH2O)
<0.001
2.0 ± 0.5
1.5 ± 0.3
0.9 ± 0.2
0.3 ± 0.2

Where applicable, values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. aZero work of breathing (WOB) is the consequence of our assumption that, at 25 cmH2O, the respiratory system is in a fully relaxed state. P values refer to one-way analysis of variance on repeated measures (for different levels of pressure support). FiO2, fraction of inspired oxygen; f/Vt, frequency/tidal volume ratio; NS, not significant; P0.1, occlusion pressure; PaCO2, arterial carbon dioxide tension; PaO2, arterial oxygen tension; PTP, pressure time product.

Aliverti et al. Critical Care 2006 10:R54   doi:10.1186/cc4867