Pressure-time product during continuous positive airway pressure, pressure support ventilation, and T-piece during weaning from mechanical ventilation

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), pressure support ventilation (PS), and T-piece on the pressure-time product (PTP) during weaning from mechanical ventilation. The PTP is an estimate of the metabolic work or oxygen consumption of the respiratory muscles. We studied 10 intubated patients recovering from acute respiratory failure of various etiologies. A modified continuous flow (flow-by) CPAP of 0 and 5 cm H2O (CPAP-0 and CPAP-5, respectively), PS of 5 cm H2O (PS-5), and T-piece were applied in random order for 30 min each. In the last 5 min of the 30-min periods, we measured the esophageal pressure and transdiaphragmatic pressure-time products--PTP(es) and PTP(di), cm H2O.s/min, respectively-multiplied by respiratory frequency. Breathing pattern, total lung resistance (RL), quasi-static lung compliance (CL), intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi), end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure (Ptpexp), arterial blood gases, blood pressure, and heart rate were also measured. In comparison to T-piece, CPAP-5 decreased PTP(es) 40% (p less than 0.01) and PTP(di) 43% (p less than 0.02), whereas PS-5 decreased PTP(es) 34% (p less than 0.01) and PTP(di) 38% (p less than 0.05). The decrease in PTP(es) with CPAP-5 was associated with a significant reduction in RL, and to a less extent in PEEPi relative to airway pressure. The contribution of the decrease in PEEPi to the reduction in PTP(es) amounted to 36%. With PS-5, respiratory system mechanics and PEEPi were not significantly different compared with T-piece. With CPAP-0, PTP tended to be lower than with T-piece.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hyperoxic-induced hypercapnia in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We investigated the mechanism of hyperoxic-induced hypercapnia in 17 stable patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean FEV1 = 0.95 L and FVC = 2.43 L). Ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia were measured with standard rebreathing techniques. In a randomized, single-blind fashion, we studied the effect of 15 min of hyperoxia or air on transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2), CO2 production (VCO2), total minute ventilation (VE), and calculated dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT). With O2, the PtcCO2 (p less than 0.01) and VD/VT (p less than 0.02) increased. The change in PtcCO2 with O2 was not significantly related to the indices of respiratory drive, nor to the baseline PtcCO2 or SaO2, but was related to the FEV1 (p less than 0.05). The O2 caused a slight decrease in mean VE and mean VCO2, but the effects in individual patients were variable. Both substantial increases or decreases in VE (delta VE) occurred, but these were accompanied by changes in VCO2 (delta VCO2) in the same direction. The effect of changes in VE on PaCO2 is shown to be almost completely cancelled by the concomitant changes in VCO2. Thus, the major portion of the change in PaCO2 was due to changes in VD/VT. We conclude that hyperoxic-induced hypercapnia is primarily due to impairment in gas exchange rather than to depression of ventilation. A reduced FEV1 appears to be a significant risk factor, whereas indices of respiratory drive are not likely to play a major role.

Airway occlusion pressure and breathing pattern as predictors of weaning outcome

Airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) and the ratio of breathing frequency (f) to tidal volume (VT) (f/Vt) are good predictors of weaning outcome. However, the specificity of f/VT in predicting weaning success is relatively low. We postulated that the product of P0.1 and f/VT (P0.1*f/VT) would better predict weaning outcome than either variable alone. In 45 male patients, we prospectively evaluated P0.1*f/VT, P0.1, and f/VT in predicting weaning outcome. The threshold values of each variable were determined from published data. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in detecting weaning success, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. Ten (22%) of the 45 patients failed weaning. P0.1*f/VT yielded the highest specificity and positive and negative predictive values. P0.1*f/VT, P0.1, and f/VT were all highly sensitive (0.97); but they were less specific, 0.60 for P0.1*f/Vt and 0.40 for P0.1 and f/VT. The areas under the ROC curves for P0.1*f/VT, P0.1, and f/VT were not significantly different. We conclude that P0.1*f/VT has equivalent sensitivity as P0.1 and f/VT. P0.1 slightly improves the specificity of f/VT in predicting weaning success.

Patient-ventilator asynchrony

The basic mechanism of patient-ventilator asynchrony is the mismatching between neural inspiratory and mechanical inspiratory time. Alterations in respiratory drive, timing, respiratory muscle pressure, and respiratory system mechanics influence the interaction between the patient and the ventilator. None of the currently available partial ventilatory support modes are exempt from problems with patient-ventilator asynchrony. Ventilator triggering design in the trigger phase and the set variables in the post-trigger phase contribute to patient-ventilator interaction. The set inspiratory flow rate in the post-trigger phase for assist-control volume cycled ventilation affects patient-ventilator asynchrony. Likewise, the initial pressure rise time, the pressure support level, and the flow-threshold for cycling off inspiration for pressure support ventilation are important factors affecting patient-ventilator asynchrony. Current investigations have advanced our understanding in this area; however, its prevalence and the extent to which patient-ventilator asynchrony affect the duration of mechanical ventilation remain unclear.

Cardiac autonomic control in obstructive sleep apnea: effects of long-term CPAP therapy

To determine how long-term treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) affects cardiac autonomic function, we measured R-R interval (RRI), respiration, and blood pressure in 13 awake patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in both supine and standing postures, before and after 3 to 9 mo of home therapy. Using visual feedback, the subjects controlled their respiration to track a randomized breathing pattern. From the RRI spectrum, we computed high-frequency power and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power (LHR). To correct for differences in breathing, the average transfer gain relating respiration to RRI changes (G(RSA)) and the modified low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (MLHR) were also derived. CPAP therapy did not change the conventional spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV). However, G(RSA) increased with average nightly CPAP use in supine (p < 0.01) and standing (p < 0.03) postures, whereas MLHR decreased with CPAP compliance during standing (p < 0.03). Supine mean heart rate decreased with compliance (p < 0.03). None of the estimated parameters was correlated with duration of therapy when actual CPAP use was not taken into account. These results suggest that CPAP treatment improves vagal heart rate control in patients with OSA and that the degree of improvement varies directly with compliance level.

Characteristics of the ventilator pressure- and flow-trigger variables

Pressure- and flow-triggering are available in the Puritan Bennett 7200ae and Siemens SV 300. Using a mechanical lung model, we described the characteristics of the pressure- and flow-triggered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of both ventilators. In the Puritan Bennett 7200ae, the pressure-triggered CPAP is characterized by the relatively insufficient flow delivery after the triggering, resulting in a greater lung pressure-time product (total PTP) than the flow-triggered CPAP. Pressure support of 5 cmH2O results in total PTP less than that with flow-triggered CPAP. In the Siemens SV 300, total PTP with pressure- or flow-triggered CPAP is comparable. Total PTP is less with pressure- or flow-triggered CPAP of the Siemens SV 300 than that of the Puritan Bennett 7200ae, respectively. The application of small pressure- or flow-triggered pressure support in the Puritan Bennett 7200ae eliminates the difference. The impact of these differences on patient inspiratory muscle work remains to be determined.

Progress in the development of a fluorescent intravascular blood gas system in man

In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown accurate measurements of arterial blood pH (pHa), carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), and oxygen tension (PaO2) with small intravascular fluorescent probes. Initial human clinical studies showed unexplained intermittent large drops in sensor oxygen tension (PiO2). Normal volunteers were studied to elucidate this problem. In the first part of this study, the probe and cannula were manipulated and the probe configuration and its position within the cannula were varied. The decreases in PiO2 were judged to be primarily due to the sensor touching the arterial wall. Retraction of the sensor tip within the cannula eliminated the problem. In the second part of this study, the accuracy of the retracted probe was evaluated in 4 subjects who breathed varying fractions of inspired oxygen and carbon dioxide. The arterial ranges achieved were 7.20 to 7.59 for pH, 22 to 70 mm Hg for PaCO2, and 46 to 633 mm Hg for PaO2. Linear regression of 48 paired sensor (i) versus arterial values showed pHi = 0.896 pHa + 0.773 (r = 0.98, SEE = 0.017); PiCO2 = 1.05 PaCO2 - 1.33 (r = 0.98, SEE = 2.4 mm Hg); and PiO2 = 1.09 PaO2 - 20.6 (r = 0.99, SEE = 21.2 mm Hg). Bias (defined as the mean differences between sensor and arterial values) and precision (SD of differences) were, respectively, -0.003 and 0.02 for pHi, 0.77 and 2.44 mm Hg for PiCO2, and -2.9 and 25.4 mm Hg for PiO2. The mean in vivo 90% response times for step changes in inspired gas were 2.64, 3.88, and 2.60 minutes, respectively, for pHi, PiCO2, and PiO2.

Comparison of the effectiveness of tetracycline and minocycline as pleural sclerosing agents in rabbits

Parenteral tetracycline, one of the most commonly used agents for producing pleurodesis, is no longer available because of stricter regulations governing the manufacturing process. The objective of this project was to determine whether minocycline, a tetracycline derivative, is an effective sclerosant in an experimental model in rabbits. We also studied the relationship of the dose and the volume injected to the degree of pleurodesis. The following medications were instilled intrapleurally in anesthetized male rabbits: tetracycline, 35 mg/kg; or minocycline, 4, 7, 10, or 20 mg/kg, diluted to a total volume of 1 or 2 ml of bacteriostatic saline solution; or minocycline, 40 mg/kg, diluted to a total volume of 2 ml of the solution. Twenty-eight days after the instillation, the animals were killed. The pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of fibrosis and inflammation. The degree of pleurodesis grossly and microscopically after the injection of 7, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg of minocycline was comparable to that after the injection of 35 mg/kg of tetracycline, while the dose of 4 mg/kg was less effective. In the animals who received the higher doses of minocycline intrapleurally (ie > or = 20 mg/kg), there was an excess mortality both early (chi 2 = 3.61, 0.05 < p < 0.10) and late (chi 2 = 11.0, p < 0.005) which appeared to be related to the development of hemothorax. The intrapleural injection of the tetracycline derivatives was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective when the total volume of the solution was 2 ml rather than 1 ml. The present study demonstrates that minocycline is an effective agent for producing pleurodesis in the rabbit. Minocycline given intrapleurally at doses of 7 mg/kg or above is comparable to tetracycline, 35 mg/kg. Higher doses of minocycline (> or = 20 mg/kg) produce a high mortality that seems to be related to hemothorax. Since, in humans, a large experience confirms only 20 mg/kg of tetracycline is needed to produce adequate pleurodesis safely, we recommend a dose of 4 mg/kg of minocycline for the production of pleurodesis.

Effect of radiation therapy on bronchial obstruction due to bronchogenic carcinoma

We evaluated the effect of radiation therapy in 57 patients with obstruction of a large bronchus with NSCC. Response with aeration of the atelectatic lung was seen in 12 patients (21 percent). Three patients (5 percent) showed partial response with persistent partial atelectasis, and nine patients (16 percent) showed good response with complete aeration of the atelectatic lung. In these patients the response appeared to be related to the dose of radiation. All of the patients who responded received more than 50 Gy. The difference in the response rate related to the dose of radiation was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). The rates were similar with all histologic types of NSCC. Regardless of the clinical response observed, bronchoscopy performed two to four months after completion of radiation therapy in 14 patients revealed persistent endobronchial tumor. There was no significant relationship between the persistence of endobronchial tumor, the dose of radiation therapy, and the tumor's histologic type. Of the 12 patients with radiographic improvement in atelectasis, fibrotic changes developed in four (33 percent) patients and pneumonitis in two (17 percent). Progression of disease with distant metastases occurred in 58 percent (seven) of the 12 patients who showed a clinical response of their bronchial obstruction. The median time to survival was nearly identical in responders and nonresponders.

Inspiratory work of breathing on flow-by and demand-flow continuous positive airway pressure

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing can be delivered using the demand-flow (DF) or continuous-flow (CF) system. A modified CF system, the flow-by (FB) system, operates with preset base-flow (BF) values between 5 and 20 L/min. The DF depends on changes in pressure for opening the pneumatic valve of the system (pressure sensitivity). In contrast, the FB depends on changes in flow (flow sensitivity). In six healthy male subjects, we determined the mechanical inspiratory work of breathing (WI, J/L) and the inspiratory work rate (J/min) on the DF and the FB systems at a BF of 5 and 20 L/min, at CPAP levels of 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O. In comparison to DF, on the FB system both WI and inspiratory work rate were significantly less at a CPAP of 10 cm H2O (p less than .01). This was most likely due to the smaller drop in airway pressure at the onset of inspiration with the FB system. Varying the BF values in the FB system had no effect on WI or inspiratory work rate.

Significance of iatrogenic pneumothoraces

The purpose of this study was to review the cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax that occurred between October 1983 and December 1988 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif, to determine the treatment and complications. During this time period, 106 patients were identified with iatrogenic pneumothorax, and the charts of 98 were available for review. There were 90 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax at this institution during the same time period. The most common cause of iatrogenic pneumothorax was transthoracic needle aspiration (35), followed by thoracentesis (30), subclavian venipuncture (23), and positive pressure ventilation (7). In 11 cases, the cause was due to miscellaneous triggers. The majority of the patients (65 of 98) were treated with chest tubes. The chest tubes were in place 4.7 +/- 3.9 days. Nine of the patients required a second chest tube. Aspiration of the pneumothorax only was attempted in five patients, and all patients subsequently received a chest tube. Two patients died from iatrogenic pneumothorax. One patient receiving positive pressure ventilation developed an unrecognized tension pneumothorax. The other patient developed a pneumothorax after thoracentesis and was treated with a chest tube, which led to a staphylococcal empyema and death. From this study, we conclude that the incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax exceeds that of spontaneous pneumothorax and that there is substantial morbidity and some mortality from iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Inspiratory muscle work of breathing during flow-by, demand-flow, and continuous-flow systems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The effect of flow-by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in comparison with continuous-flow (CF) CPAP on inspiratory muscle work of breathing (WI) in intubated patients is not known. We hypothesized that WI during flow-by CPAP would be comparable with that during CF CPAP. In nine intubated male patients recovering from acute respiratory failure related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we compared the effects of flow-by, demand-flow, and CF CPAP on WI. We also evaluated the extent to which the addition of 5 cm H2O of pressure support to demand-flow CPAP (DF-PS5) decreases WI. At CPAP levels of zero and 8 cm H2O, flow-by, demand-flow, DF-PS5 were applied in random order followed by CF CPAP for 15 min each. WI (expressed as Joules per liter and Joules per minute), maximal airway pressure drop during inspiration (delta Paw), total lung resistance (RL), lung compliance (CL), and ventilatory variables were measured. At CPAP of zero cm H2O, WI with flow-by was comparable with CF CPAP, and significantly less than with demand-flow CPAP. At both CPAP of zero and 8 cm H2O, the addition of 5 cm H2O PS to demand-flow CPAP reduced WI significantly to a level comparable with that of flow-by CPAP. At both CPAP levels, delta Paw was the largest, with demand-flow CPAP. RL and CL were not significantly different between the different CPAP systems. We conclude that WI with flow-by CPAP is comparable with that with CF CPAP, and significantly less than with demand-flow CPAP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Iatrogenic pneumothorax: etiology and morbidity. Results of a Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study

The purpose of this study was to delineate the etiological factors for iatrogenic pneumothorax in the era of increased use of invasive procedures and to determine its impact on morbidity. Between 1983 and 1987 the Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a cooperative study at 13 medical centers to assess the utility of the intrapleural instillation of tetracycline for the prevention of recurrent pneumothorax. Since all patients with any type of pneumothorax were screened at each medical center, it was decided to collect data on all the iatrogenic pneumothoraces during that period. During the study period, the number of reported iatrogenic pneumothoraces were 538. Because of incomplete data, 3 iatrogenic pneumothoraces reported from one center were excluded. The leading causes of iatrogenic pneumothorax were transthoracic needle aspiration (128), subclavicular needle stick (119), thoracentesis (106), transbronchial biopsy (54), pleural biopsy (45) and positive pressure ventilation (38). Most patients required treatment for 4-7 days; however, hospitalization was prolonged due to this treatment in only 8% of patients, presumably because of their underlying disease which required long hospitalization. Patients with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease required significantly longer duration of treatment than those without. We conclude that in our patient population, the three leading causes of iatrogenic pneumothorax are transthoracic needle aspiration, subclavicular needle stick and thoracentesis. Hospitalization is prolonged in only a small percentage of the patients who required treatment for the iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Validation of esophageal balloon technique at different lung volumes and postures

The esophageal balloon technique for measuring pleural surface pressure (Ppl) has recently been shown to be valid in recumbent positions. Questions remain regarding its validity at lung volumes higher and lower than normally observed in upright and horizontal postures, respectively. We therefore evaluated it further in 10 normal subjects, seated and supine, by measuring the ratio of esophageal to mouth pressure changes (delta Pes/delta Pm) during Mueller, Valsalva, and occlusion test maneuvers at FRC, 20, 40, 60, and 80% VC with the balloon placed 5, 10, and 15 cm above the cardia. In general, delta Pes/delta Pm was highest at the 5-cm level, during Mueller maneuvers and occlusion tests, regardless of posture or lung volume (mean range 1.00-1.08). At 10 and 15 cm, there was a progressive increase in delta Pes/delta Pm with volume (from 0.85 to 1.14). During Valsalva maneuvers, delta Pes/delta Pm also tended to increase with volume while supine (range 0.91-1.04), but was not volume-dependent while seated. Qualitatively, observed delta Pes/delta Pm fit predicted corresponding values (based on lung and upper airway compliances). Quantitatively there were discrepancies probably due to lack of measurement of esophageal elastance and to inhomogeneities in delta Ppl. At every lung volume in both postures, there was at least one esophageal site where delta Pes/delta Pm was within 10% of unity.

O2-induced change in ventilation and ventilatory drive in COPD

We examined the role of respiratory control during O2-induced hypercarbia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by comparing the observed change in ventilation (delta VEobs) with the delta VE predicted (delta VEpred) from the patients' ventilatory drive and the O2-induced delta PaCO2 and delta SaO2. Eleven stable hypoxemic COPD patients (mean +/- SD: FEV1 = 1.00 +/- 0.25 L, FVC = 2.33 +/- 0.38 L; room air PaCO2 = 52.7 +/- 7.9 mm Hg, SaO2 87.7 +/- 5.1%) were studied. Using standard rebreathing methods, we measured the ventilatory responses to hypercapnia (delta VE/PCO2 = 0.76 +/- 0.55 L/min/mm Hg) and to hypoxia (delta VE/delta SaO2 = -0.74 +/- 0.31 L/min/%). After breathing 100% O2 for 15 min, the mean delta VEobs was -0.08 +/- 0.62 (SEM) L/min (p = NS), the delta SaO2 was 7.6 +/- 3.6% (p < 0.001), and the delta PaCO2 was 6.6 +/- 3.3 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The delta VEpred was expressed as the sum of a decrease in ventilation due to suppression of hypoxic drive [calculated as the product (delta VE/SaO2) x delta SaO2] and an increase in ventilation due to the O2-induced hypercarbia [calculated as the production (delta VE/delta PCO2) x delta PaCO2]. The mean delta VEpred [-0.96 +/- 0.68 (SEM)] did not differ significantly from mean delta VEobs. We conclude that the O2-induced delta VEobs is equal to that expected from the ventilatory drives and the changes in PaCO2 and SaO2; and that O2-induced hypercarbia does not indicate a failure of respiratory control mechanisms in the maintenance of PaCO2 homeostasis.

Effectiveness of bleomycin in comparison to tetracycline as pleural sclerosing agent in rabbits

The two agents most commonly used for producing a pleurodesis are tetracycline and bleomycin. Tetracycline is no longer available due to more stringent requirements on the manufacturing process. The objective of this project was to determine whether bleomycin is an effective sclerosant in an experimental model in rabbits. The following medications were instilled intrapleurally in anesthetized male rabbits: tetracycline, 35 mg/kg, or bleomycin, 1.5 or 3.0 IU/kg diluted to a total volume of 1 ml with bacteriostatic saline solution. Twenty-eight days after the instillation, the animals were killed, and the pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of fibrosis and inflammation. The intrapleural injection of bleomycin was ineffective in creating pleural fibrosis, either grossly or microscopically. The mean degree of gross pleurodesis in the six rabbits who received tetracycline was 2.7 +/- 1.5 (scale 0 to 4), while that in the rabbits who received the highest dose of bleomycin was 0.0 +/- 0.0. Based on this study, we recommend that bleomycin not be used as a pleural sclerosant in patients with nonneoplastic pleural disease, eg, those with pneumothorax, congestive heart failure or cirrhosis, and pleural effusion.

Breathing pattern during acute respiratory failure and recovery

The objective of this study was to compare the breathing pattern of patients who failed to wean from mechanical ventilation to the pattern during acute respiratory failure. We hypothesized that a similar breathing pattern occurs under both conditions. Breathing pattern, mouth occlusion pressure (P[0.1]) and maximum inspiratory pressure (P[I,max]) were measured in 15 patients during acute respiratory failure, within 24 h of the institution of mechanical ventilation, and in 49 patients during recovery, when they were ready for discontinuation from mechanical ventilation. The following indices were calculated: rapid shallow breathing index (respiratory frequency/tidal volume (fR/VT)); rapid shallow breathing-occlusion pressure index (ROP = P[0.1 x fR/VT]); P(0.1)/P(I,max); and effective inspiratory impedance (P[0.1]/VT/(inspiratory time (tI)). Patients who failed to wean (n=11) had a similar ROP,fR/VT and P(0.1)/P(I,max) to those with acute respiratory failure despite a significantly reduced P(0.1)/VT/tI, the value of which was comparable to that of patients who weaned successfully (n=38). The P(I,max) of patients who failed to wean was similar to that of patients who weaned successfully. We conclude that patients who failed to wean had a breathing pattern similar to that during acute respiratory failure, despite a reduced mechanical load on the respiratory muscles and a relatively adequate inspiratory muscle strength. This suggests that strategies that enhance respiratory muscle endurance may facilitate weaning.

Work of breathing and airway occlusion pressure during assist-mode mechanical ventilation

We determined the effect of varying ventilator tidal volume (VT) and inspiratory flow (V) on the inspiratory muscle work (WI) during assist-mode mechanical ventilation (AMV) in four healthy subjects. In another four subjects, under constant chemoreceptor input, we determined the responses of neuromuscular output as assessed by the mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) to alteration in WI. During AMV, the inspiratory external work of breathing is partitioned between WI and ventilator work. With a constant ventilator trigger sensitivity, we calculated WI (joules/L of volume) as the difference between the area subtended by the airway pressure-inspiratory volume curves and the ordinate of the assisted breaths subtracted from that of the controlled breaths at ventilator V of 40, 60 and 80 L/min and ventilator VT of 100, 125 and 150 percent spontaneous breathing VT. At all ventilator settings, WI was less than inspiratory muscle work of spontaneous breathing (SB) and was a function of both ventilator VT and V (p less than 0.05), but ventilator V has more effect on WI. Under isocapnia and hyperoxia, we measured P0.1 and WI during AMV at ventilator VT of 125 percent of spontaneous breathing VT and ventilator V of 60, 80 and 100 L/min. End-expiratory lung volume remained constant. P0.1 during AMV was similar to that of the SB. Although WI decreased with increasing ventilator V, P0.1 did not decrease significantly. We conclude that during AMV, both ventilator V and to a less extent ventilator VT determine W. In healthy subjects changes in WI do not affect P0.1.

Talc slurry is an effective pleural sclerosant in rabbits

Insufflated talc is probably the most effective agent for creating a pleurodesis both in the clinical situation and in animals. However, the insufflation of talc requires an invasive procedure such as thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Recently, there have been reports that talc in a slurry was effective in the clinical situation. The objective of this project was to determine whether talc in a slurry at varying doses is an effective sclerosant in an experimental model in rabbits. Talc, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, in a 2-mL slurry was injected intrapleurally through a small catheter in male rabbits. Eleven rabbits received each dose. Twenty-eight days after the instillation, the animals were killed. The pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of fibrosis and inflammation. The degree of pleurodesis (on a scale of 0 to 4) after the injection of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of talc was 1.1 +/- 0.9, 1.5 +/- 1.1, 2.7 +/- 0.6, and 3.4 +/- 0.5, respectively. The degree of microscopic fibrosis similarly increased with increasing doses of talc. These scores were similar to those we have reported with the tetracycline derivatives. In contrast to the results with tetracycline derivatives, none of the rabbits developed fibrothorax or hemothorax. From this study, we conclude that talc in a slurry is a very effective pleural sclerosant in rabbits and does not produce hemothoraces as do the tetracycline derivatives.

Small airways function in nonsmokers with rheumatoid arthritis

To evaluate the possible relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and airways dysfunction independent of cigarette smoking, we studied 19 lifetime nonsmokers with RA and 47 healthy nonsmokers. Ten tests of small airways function were administered to the subjects. In addition, diffusing capacity and static lung compliance were measured, and upstream airway conductance at mid-to-low lung volumes was calculated. Mean values were not significantly lower in the RA group than in the control group in any of the tests of small airways function. Three of the 19 (16%) patients with RA versus 15 of the 47 (32%) control subjects had abnormal findings on greater than 2 tests of small airways function (P greater than 0.1). Although mean diffusing capacity and static lung compliance were both within normal limits in each group, the former tended to be lower, while the latter was significantly lower, in the RA subjects. We conclude that airways dysfunction in RA, if present, is probably related to factors other than the underlying disease; if an association between RA and small airways abnormality is present in some patients, its prevalence is too small to have been detected in our sample.

Temporal relationships of ventilatory failure, pump failure, and diaphragm fatigue

The time course of ventilatory failure, pump failure, and diaphragm peripheral fatigue was determined during the application of external inspiratory resistive loads (IRL) in anesthetized rabbits. Pump failure is defined as the inability of the diaphragm to sustain the expected force under IRL. To assess contractile fatigue, transdiaphragmatic pressures (Pdi) generated by bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation at 75 Hz (Pdi-75) and 20 Hz (Pdi-20) were measured. The amplitude of evoked diaphragm electromyographic (EMG) signals was measured to assess neurotransmission failure. The rate of rise of spontaneous diaphragm EMG was used as an index of respiratory drive. Ventilation was evaluated together with arterial blood gases. During IRL the rate of rise of spontaneous diaphragm EMG increased, and there was a progressive hypercapnic acidosis and hypoxemia, indicating ventilatory failure. In contrast, Pdi-75 and Pdi-20 were stable until the time of respiratory arrest (apnea), when they decreased by 34 and 45%, respectively. The amplitude of evoked diaphragm EMG signals remained unchanged throughout the IRL and decreased only slightly at the time of apnea. We conclude that IRL induces progressive ventilatory failure long before any contractile fatigue of the diaphragm or pump failure occurs. This suggests that ventilatory failure is due to central fatigue, whereas pump failure (apnea) is attributable to multiple factors.

Variability of cardiac output over time in medical intensive care unit patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the amount of spontaneous variability of cardiac output over time in critically ill patients, and to determine the effect of mechanical ventilation on cardiac output variability over time.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Medical intensive care unit in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PATIENTS

Twenty-two patients with indwelling pulmonary artery flotation catheters were studied. Two patients were studied twice.

INTERVENTIONS

During a 1-hr time period in which no interventions were required or made, thermodilution cardiac output was determined at baseline and then every 15 mins for 1 hr. At each time point, five individual cardiac output measurements were made and a mean was computed. The covariables of heart rate, respiration rate, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, and temperature were also recorded at each time point.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The variability of the five cardiac output measurements made at each time point was expressed by calculating for each patient a coefficient of variation of the measurements. The overall mean coefficient of variation of the measurements was 5.8%. The variability of the cardiac output measurements over time was expressed by calculating for each patient a coefficient of variation over time. The overall mean coefficient of variation over time was 7.7%. A subgroup of 15 "covariable stable" patients (defined as those patients with covariables within +/- 5% of the mean covariable values during the hour) had a mean coefficient of variation over time of 6.4%, whereas "covariable unstable" patients (with > +/- 5% changes in any covariable) had a mean coefficient of variation over time of 9.9% (p < .05). Patients breathing spontaneously had a mean coefficient of variation over time of 10.1%, whereas mechanically ventilated patients had a mean coefficient of variation over time of 6.3% (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The spontaneous variability of cardiac output should be considered when interpreting two cardiac output determinations made at separate times. Due to spontaneous variability alone, a patient with a baseline cardiac output of 10.0 L/min would be expected (95% confidence interval) to have a cardiac output range of 9.2 to 10.8 L/min if covariables were stable, and a range of at least 8.8 to 11.2 L/min if covariables were unstable. Patients who were mechanically ventilated displayed less variability than patients who were breathing spontaneously.

Cardiac output from carbon dioxide production and arterial and venous oximetry

OBJECTIVE

To determine cardiac output from measurements of CO2 production (VCO2), and arterial (SaO2) and mixed venous (SvO2) oxygen saturations, using a modified Fick equation, in which cardiac output = VCO2/[k (SaO2 - SvO2)], where k represents a constant.

DESIGN

A metabolic measurement cart was used to measure VCO2 and oxygen consumption (VO2) at 3-min intervals. SaO2 and SvO2 were measured via a pulse oximeter and a fiberoptic right heart catheter, respectively. The initial value of k for each study was determined from initial simultaneous measurements of thermodilution cardiac output, VCO2, SaO2, and SvO2 via the equation k = VCO2/[cardiac output (SaO2 - SvO2)]. The value of k was assumed to remain constant for the entire study period. Thereafter, cardiac outputs calculated from k and the measurements of VCO2, SaO2, and SvO2 were compared with the simultaneously obtained cardiac outputs determined by thermodilution. Similarly, cardiac outputs calculated from the traditional oxygen Fick equation, where cardiac output = VO2/[13.4 x hemoglobin (SaO2 - SvO2)], were compared with the simultaneously acquired cardiac outputs determined by thermodilution.

SETTING

Surgical ICU in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PATIENTS

Seven postoperative patients, mechanically ventilated using the intermittent mandatory ventilation mode, were studied over a mean period of 4 hrs.

RESULTS

Cardiac output (obtained from VCO2 and oximetry saturations) was closely related to thermodilution cardiac output: with linear regression showing r2 = .96 and standard error of the estimate = 0.59 L/min, n = 21; and, with bias and precision = 0.17 and 0.68 L/min, respectively. The traditional oxygen Fick cardiac output was also closely related to the thermodilution cardiac output (r2 = .81, standard error of the estimate = 1.46 L/min, n = 22; bias and precision = 0.31 and 1.46 L/min, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The proposed method for calculating cardiac outputs solely from VCO2 and oximetry saturations yields results that correspond closely to thermodilution determined cardiac outputs. The method is simple and avoids the difficulties in the Fick method associated with accurate VO2 measurement. This approach may be suitable for continuous cardiac output monitoring in critically ill patients.

Airway occlusion pressure. An important indicator for successful weaning in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The objective of this study was to determine whether airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) is a useful predictor for successful weaning during discontinuation of assisted ventilation (AV) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We studied 12 patients with COPD receiving AV with maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) less than or equal to -20 cm H2O and FVC greater than or equal to 10 ml/kg. The P0.1, VT, frequency, mean inspiratory flow rate (VT/TI), inspiratory time to total breath cycle duration (TI/Ttot), and arterial blood gases were determined just prior to weaning, within 5 min after discontinuing AV (Time 0), and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min. Five of the 12 patients failed to wean, defined as requiring AV within 24 h after discontinuing AV. At Time 0, all patients who subsequently failed to wean had a P0.1 of greater than 6 cm H2O, and those who were successfully weaned had a P0.1 of less than 6 cm H2O (p less than 0.001), although the arterial blood gas determinations were comparable in both groups. Throughout the study period, P0.1 in the patients who failed to wean was persistently higher than in the successfully weaned patients. Despite the high P0.1, VT and VT/TI decreased significantly at the termination of the study compared with those at Time 0 in 3 of the patients who failed to wean. Tachypnea was not useful in predicting failure to wean. The TI/Ttot in the patients who failed to wean was persistently lower than in the successfully weaned patients. We conclude that P0.1 is an important indicator for successful weaning.