Respiratory Mechanics and Gas Exchange in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated with COVID-19

Aim. To compare respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in patients with acute distress syndrome (ARDS) without COVID-19. Material methods. We examined 96 patients, who were divided into two groups. The main group included 48 COVID-19-associated ARDS. control ARDS not associated Most characteristic selected for the following baseline parameters: age, sex, SAPS II score, disease severity, plateau pressure (Pplateau), oxygenation index (PaO?/FiO?), arterial-alveolar oxygen gradient (A-aO?). Respiratory parameters assessed immediately after diagnosis on days 1, 3 7 of treatment arterial (PaO?) carbon dioxide (PaCO?) pressure, tidal volume (Vt), rate (RR), minute (RMV), positive end expiratory (PEEP), Pplateau. Results. Patients had higher Vt (9.7 vs. 5.1 ml/kg, P<0.001), RR (38 30 min-1, RMV (27.7 10.5 l/min, P<0.001). Control showed hypercapnia (PaCO? 43 38 mmHg, lower compliance (30 ml/cm H?O, P<0.001) ventilation ratio (VR) (1.5 2.0, P<0.01). Lower PEEP values required group. However, despite tracheal intubation (50% vs 16.7%) initial period intensive care, proportion receiving invasive lung was significantly (33.3% vs.14.6%) by day 7. Conclusion. phase (the first days) COVID-19 is characterized Vt, RMV, as well «typical» almost identical PaO?/FiO? values.