Personalized Positive End-Expiratory Pressure and Tidal Volume in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Bedside Physiology-Based Approach.

Positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume may have a key role for the outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The variety of acute respiratory distress syndrome phenotypes implies personalization of those settings. To guide personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume, physicians need to have an in-depth understanding of the physiologic effects and bedside methods to measure the extent of these effects. In the present article, a step-by-step physiologic approach to select personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume at the bedside is described. DATA SOURCES: The present review is a critical reanalysis of the traditional and latest literature on the topic. STUDY SELECTION: Relevant clinical and physiologic studies on positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume setting were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Reappraisal of the available physiologic and clinical data. DATA SYNTHESIS: Positive end-expiratory pressure is aimed at stabilizing alveolar recruitment, thus reducing the risk of volutrauma and atelectrauma. Bedside assessment of the potential for lung recruitment is a preliminary step to recognize patients who benefit from higher positive end-expiratory pressure level. In patients with higher potential for lung recruitment, positive end-expiratory pressure could be selected by physiology-based methods balancing recruitment and overdistension. In patients with lower potential for lung recruitment or in shock, positive end-expiratory pressure could be maintained in the 5-8 cm H

conclusionsThe setting of personalized positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume based on sound physiologic bedside measures may represent an effective strategy for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.