[Effects of different levels of PEEP on PaO2, PaCO2, shunt and static compliance in A.R.D.S. (author's transl)].

This study points out that in acute respiratory distress syndrome, the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) had in every case the same action on functional residual capacity and static lung compliance. However its results on PaO2, PaCO2 and circulation are often different from patient to patient according also to the different levels of PEEP. The level of optimal PEEP is that which opens the largest number of alveoli; it is better defined by the value of PaO2 on 100% oxygen than by static compliance.