Application of a computerised method to measure static pressure volume curve in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objective: To assess the safety and the bedside feasibility of a new comput erised method to record the static pressure-volume curves (Pst/V) of the re spiratory system. Design: The Pst/V curves were recorded in 13 medical patients with the acut e respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). During the Pst/V curve tracing the following parameters were recorded: time required for the recording and the automatic analysis of the Pst/V curve and modifications in electrocardiogr ams, blood pressure, and arterial oxygen satmation (SaO(2)). Setting: The study was performed in the intensive care unit of the Universi ty of Naples "Federico II". Results: No statistically significant modifications in heart rate (HR, b mi n(-1)), blood pressure (BP, mmHg), and SaO(2) were observed between conditi ons at baseline (HR 97.2 +/- 17.7; BP 65.4 +/- 9.3; SaO(2) 93.6 +/- 2.0), d uring the recording (HR 99.8 +/- 19.5; BP 66.2 +/- 11.6; SaO(2) 93.7 +/- 2. 4), and 2 min after the procedure (HR 98.2 +/- 17.8; BP 65.2 +/- 11.7; SaO( 2) 93.7 +/- 1.9). The Pst/V curves were recorded in 8.38 +/- 1.19 min and f ully analysed in 2.69 +/- 0.85 min. Mean value of static compliance was 41. 1 +/- 12.7 ml cmH(2)O(-1). A lower inflection point was found in ten patien ts (mean value 9.2 +/- 1.9 cmH(2)O). Conclusions: In ARDS patients, the present new computerised method gave val uable data to ordinary intensivists and was shown to be safe, easy, and fas t.