Mechanical ventilation (MV) is critical in the management of many patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, MV can also cause ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The selection of an appropriate tidal volume is an essential part of a lung-protective MV strategy. Since the publication of a large randomized clinical trial demonstrating the benefit of lower tidal volumes, the use of tidal volumes of 6 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW, based on sex and height) has been recommended in clinical practice guidelines.

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