[Haemodynamic changes during artificial ventilation with and without positive end-expiratory pressure in respiratory...

Artificial ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) affects the haemodynamic function of the various organs differently. Depending on intravascular volume, myocardial contractility and the pulmonary vasculature PEEP ventilation may result in a reduced cardiac output. By increasing the circulating blood volume the cardiovascular changes induced by PEEP can be minimized. When PEEP ventilation is stopped symptoms of hypervolaemia may appear. The effects of PEEP ventilation on the brain, liver, mesenterial circulation and kidney manifest themselves in a rise of intracranial pressure, reduced portal bloodflow, increased mesenteric vascular resistance and redistribution of the intrarenal blood flow respectively.