Positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation in adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to septicemia

Positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation (PEEP) was used in six cases with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to Gram-negative septicemia. PEEP improved arterial blood-oxygenation by preventing alveolar collapse. This allowed reduction in inspired oxygen concentration and thus prevented pulmonary oxygen toxicity. However, there were negative effects of PEEP on cardiac output and on oxygen transport. By monitoring certain physiological parameters in patients under different levels of PEEP the authors were able to obtain the ideal balance between the positive and the negative effects - 'the best PEEP'.