Effects of Neuromuscular Blockers on Transpulmonary Pressures in Moderate to Severe ARDS

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ARDS

Thirty patients were included, 24 with moderate ARDS and 6 with severe ARDS. NMBA infusion was associated with an improvement in oxygenation in both moderate and severe ARDS, accompanied by a decrease in both plateau pressure and total positive end-expiratory pressure. The mean inspiratory and expiratory PL were higher in the moderate ARDS group receiving NMBA than in the control group. In contrast, there was no change in either driving pressure or PL related to NMBA administration. NMBA could exert beneficial effects in patients with moderate ARDS, at least in part, by limiting expiratory efforts.

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