The global inhomogeneity index assessed by electrical impedance tomography overestimates PEEP requirement in patients with ARDS: an observational study

S.J.H. Heines*, S.A.M. de Jongh, U. Strauch, I.C.C. van der Horst, M.C.G. van de Poll, D.C.J.J. Bergmans

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) visualises alveolar overdistension and alveolar collapse and enables optimisation of ventilator settings by using the best balance between alveolar overdistension and collapse (ODCL). Besides, the global inhomogeneity index (GI), measured by EIT, may also be of added value in determining PEEP. Optimal PEEP is often determined based on the best dynamic compliance without EIT at the bedside. This study aimed to assess the effect of a PEEP trial on ODCL, GI and dynamic compliance in patients with and without ARDS. Secondly, PEEP levels from "optimal PEEP" approaches by ODCL, GI and dynamic compliance are compared. Methods In 2015-2016, we included patients with ARDS using postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients as a reference group. A PEEP trial was performed with four consecutive incremental followed by four decremental PEEP steps of 2 cmH(2)O. Primary outcomes at each step were GI, ODCL and best dynamic compliance. In addition, the agreement between ODCL, GI, and dynamic compliance was determined for the individual patient. Results Twenty-eight ARDS and 17 postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients were included. The mean optimal PEEP, according to best compliance, was 10.3 (+/- 2.9) cmH(2)O in ARDS compared to 9.8 (+/- 2.5) cmH(2)O in cardiothoracic surgery patients. Optimal PEEP according to ODCL was 10.9 (+/- 2.5) in ARDS and 9.6 (+/- 1.6) in cardiothoracic surgery patients. Optimal PEEP according to GI was 17.1 (+/- 3.9) in ARDS compared to 14.2 (+/- 3.4) in cardiothoracic surgery patients. Conclusions Currently, no golden standard to titrate PEEP is available. We showed that when using the GI, PEEP requirements are higher compared to ODCL and best dynamic compliance during a PEEP trial in patients with and without ARDS.
Original languageEnglish
Article number258
Number of pages12
JournalBMC Anesthesiology
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Electrical impedance tomography
  • Global inhomogeneity index
  • Positive end-expiratory pressure
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Respiratory system compliance
  • RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS-SYNDROME
  • EXPIRATORY PRESSURE TITRATION
  • ACUTE LUNG INJURY
  • REGIONAL VENTILATION
  • RECRUITMENT

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