The influence of venous admixture on alveolar dead space and carbon dioxide exchange in acute respiratory distress syndrome: computer modelling.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Alveolar dead space reflects phenomena that render arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide higher than that of mixed alveolar gas, disturbing carbon dioxide exchange. Right-to-left shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) leads to an alveolar dead space fraction (VdAS/VtA; where VtA is alveolar tidal volume). In acute respiratory distress syndrome, ancillary physiological disturbances may include low cardiac output, high metabolic rate, anaemia and acid-base instability. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the extent to which shunt contributes to alveolar dead space and perturbs carbon dioxide exchange in ancillary physiological disturbances.

Methods

A comprehensive model of pulmonary gas exchange was based upon known equations and iterative mathematics.

Result

SUBMITTER: Niklason L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2447607 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature