Relation between transdiaphragmatic pressure and oxygen consumption in patients with intestinal obstruction

Background and goals

Dysfunction of the diaphragm generally causes an additional load on other respiratory muscles [1]. It may be expressed by the increased oxygen cost of breathing and oxygen consumption (VO₂) [2]. The increased abdominal pressure in patients with an intestinal obstruction may cause the dysfunction of the diaphragm.

Materials and methods

We studied the relation between VO₂ and the end tidal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi_ET) in 16 patients with the diagnosis of an intestinal obstruction. The investigations were carried out after operation and before extubation. The average age of the patients was 41 ± 12. The same technique of anesthesia was performed in all patients. The APACHE II count was 22 ± 3. The device Capnomac Ultima- measured VO₂.

Results

The relation between Pdi_ET and VO₂ are submitted in the Figure.

Figure 1

Conclusion

The patients with an intestinal obstruction demonstrate the moderate linear correlation (r = 0.63) between Pdi_ET and VO₂.