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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
Published on: November 3, 2023
Mask Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Increases Diaphragm Thickening Fraction in Healthy Subjects
Simon Lindner1,2, Jan Teichert1,2, Clara Hoermann1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
Introduction:
The most widespread treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The addition of inspiratory support is a potential alternative. This is a physiological study to determine the effect of CPAP and inspiratory support pressure on respiratory effort measured by diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) in healthy volunteers.
Methods:
DTF was measured in spontaneously breathing, healthy volunteers during 4 phases: (I) without connection to a ventilator, (II) on a ventilator without any applied pressures, (III) with a CPAP of 5 cmH2O, and (IV) with an additional inspiratory support pressure of 5 cmH2O.
Results:
Twenty-nine individuals agreed to participate. DTF was similar during the first two phases (32 ± 13% and 35 ± 22%). A considerable increase in DTF to 51 ± 21% was noted in phase III. The introduction of inspiratory support pressure during phase IV led to a reduction in DTF back to 36 ± 23% (p < 0.001). Tidal volume and minute ventilation were both slightly higher in phase IV compared to phase III.
Conclusion:
CPAP without inspiratory support pressure increases respiratory effort measured by DTF in healthy subjects. Further research is required to investigate this phenomenon in a clinical setting.
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