Comparison of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure of 8 versus 5 cm H₂O on Outcome After Cardiac Operations

Abstract

Patients being mechanically ventilated after cardiac operations with an initial postoperative PEEP setting of 8 versus 5 cm H2O differed significantly only on hospital LOS but the difference was likely clinically unimportant. Thus, use of 8 cm H2O PEEP in these patients without a clinical indication, although likely not harmful, does not seem beneficial.