Critical Care

official impact factor 4.60

Commentary

Recruitment maneuvers and positive end-expiratory pressure/tidal ventilation titration in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome: translating experimental results to clinical practice

Carmen SV Barbas1*, Gustavo F de Mattos2 and Eduardo R Borges3

Author Affiliations

1 Associate Professor, Pulmonary Division, University of São Paulo, Brazil, Medical staff of the ICU of Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil

2 Research Fellow, Pulmonary Division, University of São Paulo, Brazil and Medical staff and Hemodynamic group coordinator of the ICU of Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil

3 Research Fellow, Pulmonary Division, University of São Paulo, Brazil and Medical staff of ICU of Sirio-Libanes Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil

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Critical Care 2005, 9:424-426 doi:10.1186/cc3800

Published: 18 August 2005

Abstract

Recruitment maneuvers and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)/tidal ventilation titration in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) are the cornerstone of mechanical ventilatory support. The net result of these possible adjustments in ventilatory parameters is the interaction of the pressure applied in the respiratory system (airway pressure/end expiratory pressure) counterbalanced by chest wall configuration/abdominal pressure along the mechanical ventilatory support duration. Refinements in the ventilatory adjustments in ALI/ARDS are necessary for minimizing the biotrauma in this still life-threatening clinical problem.