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  • Title: Effect of neuromuscular blocking agents on gas exchange in patients presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
    Author: Gainnier M, Roch A, Forel JM, Thirion X, Arnal JM, Donati S, Papazian L.
    Journal: Crit Care Med; 2004 Jan; 32(1):113-9. PubMed ID: 14707568.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 48-hr neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) infusion on gas exchange over a 120-hr time period in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. DESIGN: Multiple center, prospective, controlled, and randomized trial. SETTING: Four adult medical or mixed medical-surgical intensive care units. PATIENTS: A total of 56 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of <150 at a positive end-expiratory pressure of > or =5 cm H2O. INTERVENTIONS: After randomization, patients received either conventional therapy without NMBA (control group) or conventional therapy plus NMBA for the next 48 hrs. The initial ventilator mode was volume-assist/control. The ventilator remained on assist-control mode throughout the initial 48-hr period in both groups. Tidal volume was 6-8 mL/kg ideal body weight. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When analyzed for the entire 120 hrs, there was a significant effect of the NMBA on the course of PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p =.021). Separate comparisons at each time point indicated that patients randomized to the NMBA group had a higher PaO2/FiO2 at 48, 96, and 120 hrs after randomization. Moreover, a decrease of positive end-expiratory pressure (p =.036) was only found in the NMBA group. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance exhibited a decrease in positive end-expiratory pressure over time (p =.036). Concerning short-term effects, there was no modification of PaO2/FiO2 ratio 1 hr after randomization in either group. Only one patient (from the control group) developed pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: Use of NMBA during a 48-hr period in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with a sustained improvement in oxygenation.
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