Use of carbon dioxide production to detect bacterial superinfections in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: an exploratory prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial superinfections are common in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but diagnosing them is challenging. Exhaled carbon dioxide (V'CO2) may be increased during bacterial infection, suggesting a potential marker for detecting bacterial superinfections in ARDS patients.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated adult patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 in a tertiary intensive care unit, we assessed V'CO2 measurements from continuous volumetric capnography and calculated daily median V'CO2 levels. The primary outcome was to determine if a first substantial increase in daily median V'CO2 was associated with a first bacterial superinfection. Protocolised microbiological sampling and adjudicated clinical interpretation

SUBMITTER: Strickler NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12410624 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature