ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of lung-protective ventilation strategy in burn patients with respiratory dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mechanical ventilation was employed in 11 cases of severely burned patients with the pattern of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and pressure support ventilation (SIMV + PSV). The tidal volume was set at 6 approximately 8 ml/kg and inspiratory plateau pressure was equal to or less than (</=) 30 cmH(2)O. PEEP was set at 8 approximately 10 cmH(2)O and FiO(2) 40% approximately 50%. Blood gas analysis indices were dynamically monitored and clinical outcome was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SIMV and PSV were applied in these patients for an average of 12.77 +/- 8.06 days. After treatment, the PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio was obviously increased from 193.54 +/- 53.3 to 327.14 +/- 106.53 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the PaCO(2) and pH values remained at normal range. Five out of 11 patients finally died, in which 3 were due to renal failure and one due to multiple organ dysfunction (MOD).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Respiratory support in severely burned patients could be achieved by lung-protective ventilation strategy.</p>