Anesthesiology
-
Editorial Comment Review
Tidal volumes in patients with normal lungs: one for all or the less, the better?
-
Mechanical ventilation practice has changed over the past few decades, with tidal volumes (VT) decreasing significantly, especially in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Patients without acute lung injury are still ventilated with large--and perhaps too large--VT. Studies of ventilator-associated lung injury in subjects without ALI demonstrate inconsistent results. ⋯ Side effects associated with the use of lower VT in patients with ALI seem to be minimal. Assuming that this will be the case in patients without ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome too, the authors suggest that the use of lower VT should be considered in all mechanically ventilated patients whether they have ALI or not. Prospective studies should be performed to evaluate optimal ventilator management strategies for patients without ALI.
-
Editorial Comment Review
Anesthesia-related maternal mortality: a pat on the back or a call to arms?