The Importance of Plateau Pressure
- Alveolar overdistention is a precursor to the development of acute lung injury (ALI)
- Plateau pressure is a measurement of alveolar overdistention, and is the pressure equilibration between the airways and the alveoli
- Plateau pressure is measured by using an inspiratory hold (for at least 3 seconds) at the end of inspiration
- Based on available data, you want to maintain the plateau pressure < 30 cm H2O
- Remember that patients should be heavily sedated to obtain this measurement - any patient-ventilator asynchrony may provide inaccurate information
References
DeGiorgi A, White M. Ventilator management: maximizing outcomes in caring fo asthma, COPD, and pulmonary edema. Emergency Medicine Practice 2008;10(8):1-23.