Arch Surg Chicago
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Twelve adult surgical patients recovering from acute respiratory failure (ARF) had a catheter inserted for measurement of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and cardiac output; and for calculation of arterial-mixed venous oxygen content difference, physiologic shunt, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances. Measurements were made with 5 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), during spontaneous respiration at ambient airway pressure, and then again with 5 cm H2O CPAP. ⋯ This improvement in oxygenation took place without any significant change in cardiovascular status. Thus, low levels of CPAP are helpful in maintaining the pulmonary status in intubated adult patients recovering from ARF.