Relation between transdiaphragmatic pressure and oxygen consumption in patients with intestinal obstruction

RR Gubaidullin and AV Butrov

Medical Faculty of Russian Peoples' Friendship University, Tsyurupy 16-1-168, 117418 Moscow, Russia

from 22nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
Brussels, Belgium. 19–22 March 2002

Critical Care 2002, 6(Suppl 1):P6doi:10.1186/cc1761

Published:

1 March 2002

Background and goals

Dysfunction of the diaphragm generally causes an additional load on other respiratory muscles [1]. It may be expressed by the increased oxygen cost of breathing and oxygen consumption (VO₂) [2]. The increased abdominal pressure in patients with an intestinal obstruction may cause the dysfunction of the diaphragm.

Materials and methods

We studied the relation between VO₂ and the end tidal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi_ET) in 16 patients with the diagnosis of an intestinal obstruction. The investigations were carried out after operation and before extubation. The average age of the patients was 41 ± 12. The same technique of anesthesia was performed in all patients. The APACHE II count was 22 ± 3. The device Capnomac Ultima- measured VO₂.

Results

The relation between Pdi_ET and VO₂ are submitted in the Figure.

Figure 1.

Conclusion

The patients with an intestinal obstruction demonstrate the moderate linear correlation (r = 0.63) between Pdi_ET and VO₂.

References

Green M, Maxham J: The respiratory muscles.
Clin Sci 1985, 68:1-10. PubMed Abstract
Luce JM, Culver BH: Respiratory muscle function in health and disease.
Chest 1982, 81:82. PubMed Abstract

This article is part of the supplement: 22nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine