Critical Care

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Commentary

Partitioning the work-sparing effects of partial ventilatory support in airflow obstruction

John J Marini

Author Affiliations

University of Minnesota

Critical Care 2004, 8:101-102 doi:10.1186/cc2831

Published: 19 February 2004

Abstract

Sweeping conclusions regarding the utility or nonutility of elevating expiratory pressure are not warranted. The effects of manipulating airway pressure in the setting of airflow obstruction depend heavily on the nature and severity of disease, as well as on the presence of airflow limitation during tidal breathing.

Keywords:
airflow obstruction; CPAP; partial ventilatory support