[The ventilatory response to CO2 during end-expiratory negative extra-thoracic pressure and PEEP]

The effects of end-expiratory negative extra-thoracic pressure (EENETP) and PEEP on the ventilatory response to CO2 were studied in seven healthy volunteers. The changes in functional residual capacity during EENETP -20 cmH2O and PEEP 5 cmH2O were 13.9 and 12.9 ml.kg-1, respectively. The slopes of CO2 response (minute ventilation/end-tidal CO2) during ZEEP, EENETP and PEEP were 0.913, 0.622, 0.693 l.min-1.mmHg-1, respectively. The slopes during EENETP and PEEP were significantly decreased. These results indicate that EENETP and PEEP could worsen the CO2 response in patients with respiratory failure, especially, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which functional residual capacity is increased.