Background: We studied the effects that the lung recruitment maneuver (RM) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) have on the elimination of CO(2) per breath (Vtco(2,br)).
Methods: In 7 healthy and 7 lung-lavaged pigs at constant ventilation, PEEP was increased from 0 to 18 cm H(2)O and then decreased to 0 in steps of 6 cm H(2)O every 10 minutes. Cycling RMs with plateau pressure/PEEP of 40/20 (healthy) and 50/25 (lavaged) cm H(2)O were applied for 2 minutes between 18-PEEP steps. Volumetric capnography, respiratory mechanics, blood gas, and hemodynamic data were recorded.
Results: In healthy lungs before the RM, Vtco(2,br) was inversely proportional to PEEP decreasing from 4.0 (3.6-4.4) mL (median and interquartile range) at 0-PEEP to 3.1 (2.8-3.4) mL at 18-PEEP (P < 0.05). After the RM, Vtco(2,br) increased from 3.3 (3-3.6) mL at 18-PEEP to 4.0 (3.5-4.5) mL at 0-PEEP (P < 0.05). In lavaged lungs before the RM, Vtco(2,br) increased initially from 2.0 (1.7-2.3) mL at 0-PEEP to 2.6 (2.2-3) mL at 12-PEEP (P < 0.05) but then decreased to 2.4 (2-2.8) mL when PEEP was increased further to 18 cm H(2)O (P < 0.05). After the RM, the highest Vtco(2,br) of 2.9 (2.1-3.7) mL was observed at 12-PEEP and then decreased to 2.5 (1.9-3.1) mL at 0-PEEP (P < 0.05). Vtco(2,br) was directly related to changes in lung perfusion, the area of gas exchange, and alveolar ventilation but inversely related to changes in dead space.
Conclusions: CO(2) elimination by the lungs was dependent on PEEP and recruitment and showed major differences between healthy and lavaged lungs.