Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas médicas e biológicas
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Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. · Jan 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on respiratory system mechanics and hemodynamics in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.
We prospectively evaluated the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on the respiratory mechanical properties and hemodynamics of 10 postoperative adult cardiac patients undergoing mechanical ventilation while still anesthetized and paralyzed. The respiratory mechanics was evaluated by the inflation inspiratory occlusion method and hemodynamics by conventional methods. Each patient was randomized to a different level of PEEP (5, 10 and 15 cmH2O), while zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) was established as control. ⋯ We conclude that increments in PEEP resulted in a reduction of both airway resistance and respiratory elastance. These results could reflect improvement in respiratory mechanics. However, due to possible hemodynamic instability, PEEP should be carefully applied to postoperative cardiac patients.