[Significance of the energetic value of respiration in the assessment of the degree of strain of compensatory mechanisms in respiratory insufficiency].

A total of 170 examinations of the external respiration function were carried out in 114 patients with postoperative respiratory insufficiency (RI). The patients were examined during air respiration (FiO2 0.21). Pulmonary function was computer monitored. Thirty-four parameters were analyzed, which characterize pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and metabolism. Three groups of patients were distinguished: with moderate, expressed, and maximal stages of energy compensation of RI. Augmentation of RI in the course of the postoperative period was found to be characterized by reduction of lung compliance and increase of aerodynamic resistance of the airways and specific and minute Decompensation of RI develops due to fatigue of the respiratory muscles under conditions of increased energy value of respiration, which is proved by the appearance of a reliable inverse correlation between the minute respiratory volume and increased inhalation and exhalation resistance and between respiratory volume and increased inhalation resistance and of a direct correlation between respiratory volume and lung compliance in patients during the maximal energy compensation of respiratory insufficiency. Hence, the energy value of respiration objectively reflects the strain of the compensatory mechanisms during respiratory insufficiency.