Yonsei Med J.  2021 Jun;62(6):503-509. 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.6.503.

Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Respiratory Mechanics and Oxygenation During Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Pediatric Patients

• Kim HY
• Ham SY
• Kim EJ
• Yoon HJ
• Choi SY
• Koo BN

• KMID: 2516082
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2021.62.6.503

Abstract

Purpose
Children have few small alveoli, which reduce lung compliance; in contrast, their cartilaginous rib cage makes their chest wall highly compliant. This combination promotes lung collapse. Prolonged inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation is used to optimize gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in surgery. However, the optimal ratio is unclear in children. We hypothesized that, compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio would improve dynamic compliance and oxygenation, and affect the peak airway pressure in pediatric patients undergoing surgery.
Materials and Methods
Forty-eight patients aged ≤6 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia with an arterial line were randomly allocated to receive 1:1 (group 1:1) or 1:2 (group 1:2) I:E ratio ventilation. Airway pressure, respiratory system compliance, and arterial blood gas analyses were compared between groups immediately after induction (T0), 30 min after induction (T1), 60 min after induction (T2), immediately after surgery (T3), and on arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit (T4).
Results
Peak and plateau airway pressures were significantly lower in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.048, respectively). The dynamic and static compliances were significantly higher in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.045, respectively). However, the partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusion
Compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio improved dynamic compliance and lowered the peak airway pressure without complications in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, our results do not support its use solely for improving oxygenation.

Keyword

Blood gas analysis; exhalation; inhalation; pediatrics; positive pressure breathing; respiratory mechanics