Measuring Lung Volume with New Techniques
Author Information
Author(s): Chiumello Davide, Cressoni Massimo, Chierichetti Monica, Tallarini Federica, Botticelli Marco, Berto Virna, Mietto Cristina, Gattinoni Luciano
Primary Institution: Fondazione IRCCS – 'Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli Regina Elena'
Hypothesis
How do modified nitrogen washout/washin and helium dilution techniques compare to CT scans in measuring end expiratory lung volume (EELV)?
Conclusion
The EELV measurement with the helium dilution technique and modified nitrogen washout/washin technique correlates well with CT scanning and may be easily used in clinical practice.
Supporting Evidence
- The EELV measured with the modified nitrogen washout/washin technique showed a very good correlation with the data computed from the CT.
- The EELV measured with the helium dilution method showed a good correlation with the CT scan data.
- The bias of the EELV measurement performed increasing or decreasing the FiO2 were compared using a Student's t-test.
Takeaway
Doctors can use new methods to measure how much air is left in the lungs after breathing out, which helps treat patients better.
Methodology
The study involved measuring EELV using modified nitrogen washout/washin, helium dilution, and CT scans in ICU patients requiring ventilatory support.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of lung volume in poorly ventilated lung compartments.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with chronic lung diseases, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 66 years on average, with a male/female ratio of 21/9.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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