Evaluation of a ventilation strategy to prevent barotrauma in patients at high risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome

A mechanical ventilation strategy to prevent trauma to the lungs does not appear to reduce mortality and may produce serious complications. Researchers compared traditional ventilation and a limited ventilation consisting of lower pressures and volumes in 120 patients at risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mortality rates were similar in both groups and those in the limited ventilation group were more likely to have elevated blood levels of carbon dioxide. The incidence of lung trauma was similar in both groups but those in the limited ventilation group were more likely to develop kidney failure.