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Static pressure–volume curves and body posture in severe chronic bronchitis

University of Athens Medical School, Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.

CORRESPONDENCE: S. G. Zakynthinos, Dept of Intensive Care Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Evaggelismos Hospital, 45–47 Ipsilandou Str, GR 106 75, Athens, Greece. Fax: 30 2107216503. E-mail: szakynthinos{at}yahoo.com

Keywords: Chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pressure–volume curves, prone position, recruitment, respiratory mechanics

Received: January 21, 2006
Accepted March 22, 2006

Based on prior data, the current authors hypothesised that beneficial pronation effects on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics might be maximised in severely hyperinflated chronic bronchitis patients. The current authors also sought to elucidate underlying mechanisms and to determine whether pronation effects are reflected by postural changes in inspiratory pressure–volume (P–V) curve characteristics.

A total of 16 mechanically ventilated patients (for 16–36 h) with chronic bronchitis exacerbation were studied in pre-prone semirecumbent (SREC), prone and post-prone SREC postures. Static respiratory system intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP_i,rs) was >12 cmH₂O. Haemodynamics, partitioned respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung volumes were determined at zero external positive end-expiratory pressure. P–V curves were constructed from functional residual capacity.

End-expiratory lung volume exceeded opening volume. Prone position versus pre-prone SREC resulted in 20% reduced pressure at the lower inflection point (LIP) and 17% increased volume at the upper inflection point of the lung P–V curve, improved lung mechanics and volumes, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide arterial tension (P_a,CO2). In multiple linear regression, postural decreases in PEEP_i,rs and additional lung resistance independently predicted postural decreases in lung LIP pressure and P_a,CO2, respectively.

In conclusion, in severely hyperinflated patients, pronation reduces lung lower inflection point pressure and increases lung upper inflection point volume. Pronation effects on ventilation homogeneity and carbon dioxide arterial tension are maximised, implying that pronation can be useful during early controlled ventilation.