Lung mechanics in type L CoVID-19 pneumonia: a pseudo-normal ARDS.

BACKGROUND

This study was conceived to provide systematic data about lung mechanics during early phases of CoVID-19 pneumonia, as long as to explore its variations during prone positioning.

METHODS

We enrolled four patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of "M. Bufalini" hospital, Cesena (Italy); after the positioning of an esophageal balloon, we measured mechanical power, respiratory system and transpulmonary parameters and arterial blood gases every 6 hours, just before decubitus change and 1 hour after prono-supination.

RESULTS

Both respiratory system and transpulmonary compliance and driving pressure confirmed the pseudo-normal respiratory mechanics of early CoVID-19 pneumonia (respectively, C 40.8 ml/cmHO and DP 9.7 cmHO; C 53.1 ml/cmHO and DP 7.9 cmHO). Interestingly, prone positioning involved a worsening in respiratory mechanical properties throughout time (C 56.3 ml/cmHO and C 41.5 ml/cmHO - P 0.37; C 80.8 ml/cmHO and C 53.2 ml/cmHO - P 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the severe ARDS pattern, respiratory system and lung mechanical properties during CoVID-19 pneumonia are pseudo-normal and tend to worsen during pronation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Restrospectively registered.