Effects of preserved spontaneous breathing activity during mechanical ventilation in experimental intra-abdominal hypertension

Purpose Ventilation problems are common in critically ill patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preserved spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation on hemodynamics, gas exchange, respiratory function and lung injury in experimental intra-abdominal hypertension. Methods Twenty anesthetized pigs were intubated and ventilated for 24 h with biphasic positive airway pressure without (BIPAP PC ) or with additional, unsynchronized spontaneous breathing (BIPAP SB ). In 12 animals, intra-abdominal pressure was increased to 30 mmHg for two 9 h periods followed by a 3 h pressure relief each. Eight animals served as controls and were ventilated for 24 h. Hemodynamics, gas exchange and respiratory mechanics were measured and lung injury was determined histologically. Results Intra-abdominal hypertension caused significant impairment of hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics in both modes. In the presence of intra-abdominal hypertension, BIPAP SB did not demonstrate superior respiratory mechanics and cardiovascular stability as compared to BIPAP PC . Although the decrease of dynamic compliance and the increase of airway pressures were mitigated, BIPAP SB failed to lower pulmonary vascular resistance and caused increased dead space ventilation ( p = 0.007). Blood pressures and cardiac output increased in BIPAP SB , caused by an increase in heart rate ( p < 0.001), but not in stroke volume ( p = 0.06). BIPAP SB was associated with an increased breathing effort, decreased transpulmonary pressure during inspiration and lower lobe diffuse alveolar damage ( p = 0.002). Conclusions In the presence of severe intra-abdominal hypertension, the addition of unsupported spontaneous breaths to BIPAP did not improve hemodynamic and respiratory function and caused greater histopathologic damage to the lungs.