VT lower than 6 ml/Kg enhanced lung protection. Respiratory acidosis consequent to low VT ventilation was safely and efficiently managed by extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal.

This is an author version of the contribution published on:Questa è la versione dell'autore dell'opera: [Intensive Care Medicine,38(3),2012, doi: 10.1007/s00134-012-2490 The definitive version is available at: La versione definitiva è disponibile alla URL: [http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/687/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00 134-012-2490 Conclusions:Abnormalities of chest wall mechanics may be present in some patients with influenza A (H1N1)-associated ARDS. These abnormalities may not be inferred from measurements of end-inspiratory plateau pressure of the respiratory system 1 (PPLAT RS ). In these patients, titrating PEEP on PPLAT RS may overestimate the incidence of hypoxemia refractory to conventional ventilation leading to un-appropriate use of ECMO.

The best threshold values for discriminating morphological indexes associated with injurious ventilation were Pplat,Rs greater than 25 cm H(2)O and STRESS INDEX,RS greater than 1.05. Although a substantial discrepancy between Pplat,Rs and PPLAT,L occurs, STRESS INDEX,RS reflects STRESS INDEX,L.

Abstract