Dynamic respiratory system mechanics in infants during pressure and volume controlled ventilation

Dynamic respiratory system mechanics can be determined using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. There is no need for a particular ventilator setting or for a special ventilatory manoeuvre. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not different ventilator modes and the flow-dependent resistance of the endotracheal tube (ETT) influence the determination of resistance and compliance by MLR. Ten paediatric patients who were on controlled mechanical ventilation for various disorders were investigated. The ventilator modes mere changed between pressure control (PC) and volume control (VC). Flow and airway pressure were measured and tracheal pressure was continuously calculated. Each mode was applied for 3 min, and 10 consecutive breaths at the end of each period were analysed. Respiratory mechanics were determined by MLR based on either airway pressure, thus including the resistance of the ETT, or tracheal pressure. Resistance was found to be slightly higher in PC than in VC. There was no effect on determination of compliance between the different modes. Elimination of the flow-dependent resistance of the ETT preserved the differences between the modes. The authors conclude that using multiple linear regression compliance is not affected by the actual ventilator mode, whereas resistance is.