Paradoxical responses to positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with airway obstruction during controlled ventilation*

Abstract

External-PEEP application may relieve overinflation in selected patients with airway obstruction during controlled mechanical ventilation. No a priori information about disease, mechanics, or ventilatory settings was predictive of the response. An empirical PEEP trial investigating plateau pressure response in these patients appears to be a reasonable strategy with minimal side effects.