Abstract 1738

We hypothesized that paralysis during partial liquid ventilation (PLV) would not alter oxygenation due to the stabilizing effect PLV has on end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). We studied 8 newborn piglets (1.16±0.22 kgs) with saline lavage-induced lung injury (PO2<80 torr, >30% reduction in compliance) after intubation and placement of arterial and venous catheters. Ventilator parameters included the following: an FIO2 of 1.0, back-up rate of 30 breaths/min, positive end-expiratory pressure of 4 cm H2O, peak inspiratory pressure to achieve 15 ml/kg tidal volume, and an inspiratory time adequate for end-expiratory flow to return to zero. Perflubron (LiquiVent®) was then administered until a meniscus was visible in the endotracheal tube. Measurements of compliance (Cdyn), resistance (Raw), minute ventilation (VE), change in end-expiratory lung volume (ΔEELV), arterial/alveolar oxygen ration (a/A), oxygenation index (OI), and mean and peak airway pressures (MAP, PIP) were recorded for one hour before and after paralysis under conditions of matched ventilatory support. Rate during paralysis was set as the mean spontaneous respiratory rate during spontaneous breathing. Data analysis used paired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. (Table)

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Results: Comparing animals before and after paralysis during PLV, hemodynamics, a/A, OI, VE, Cdyn, and MAP were unchanged. Paralysis led to increases in Raw and PIP, with decreased EELV.

Conclusions: Paralysis during PLV leads to decreased end expiratory lung volume, without hemodynamic compromise or changes in oxygenation.

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