Israel journal of medical sciences
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The objective of our study was to investigate the influence on central and regional circulation of the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP=P) in a canine model of low hydrostatic pulmonary edema. Eight mongrel dogs with oleic acid-induced pulmonary edema were artificially ventilated with and without PEEP. ⋯ The renal blood flow decreased only during the P+OA phase. We conclude that the observed decrease in blood flow to the gastrointestinal mucosa and renal circulation in this acute low hydrostatic pressure pulmonary edema may correlate with the increased incidence of gastrointestinal and renal complications that accompany critically ill patients.