ABSTRACT
Diagnostic ability of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO2 and respiratory index (RI) for acute respiratory distress syndrome was underestimated before recent time. 68 patients with severe inhomogeneous lung injure (severe concomitant trauma, pneumonia, and pancreonecrosis) were involved in the study. Patients were divided into two groups (basic group--34 patients and control group--34 patients). There were no differences in data of severity-of-disease by APACHE II and SOFA scales and J.F. Murrey lung injury score in both groups. Conventional volume controlled and pressure control respiratory techniques were used in patients of control group. Multi-level ventilation with three levels was used in patients of basic group. Blood gas containing, A-aDO2 and RI were studied. Gas status data improved both to gas exchange efficacy in patients of basic group. The data were significant different in the control group. Thus multilevel ventilation improves alveolar ventilation and arterial oxygenation, decreases pulmonary shunt and lung injury and improves respiratory lung functions.
