Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Titration Based on Lung Mechanics May Improve Pulse Pressure Variation Interpretation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on pulse pressure variation (PPV) in patients with moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

DESIGN

Prospective interventional self-controlled study.

SETTING

University Hospital of Larissa.

PATIENTS

ARDS patients admitted intubated in the ICU (from August 2020 to March 2022).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

PPV and inferior vena cava (IVC) respiratory variability were evaluated at two PEEP levels (first value mainly based on PEEP/Fio2 and second value based on respiratory system compliance). Additionally, respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, and echocardiographic indices assessing right ventricular (RV) size (RV end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area [RVEDA/LVEDA]), RV systolic function, and RV afterload (pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] and PASP/left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral [PASP/VTILVOT]) were recorded. Ninety-five patients were evaluated. PPV decreased after PEEP reduction (11.7 ± 0.2 to 7.9% ± 0.2%), whereas IVC respiratory variability increased (9.1 ± 0.9 to 14.6% ± 0.1%) and central venous pressure decreased (all p < 0.0001). RV afterload indices decreased (p < 0.0001), simultaneously with RV size (< 0.0001) and systolic function indices' improvements (< 0.05); shock warranted less noradrenaline doses. The change in PPV correlated significantly to respiratory variability in IVC diameter distensibility (p < 0.0001) and moderately to changes in RV size and systolic function (change in RVEDA/change in LVEDA, change in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion); RV afterload (change in PASP [ΔPASP], ΔPASP/VTILVOT); and change in Paco2 (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PPV alteration with PEEP decrease, associated with IVC distensibility increases, may indicate the presence of RV dysfunction and increased pulmonary vascular resistances. Whether the patients are in need for fluid loading, fluid responsiveness assessment may be further warranted.