The effect of respiratory frequency on pulmonary function during artificial ventilation. A review

This is a review of previous studies on the effects of variations between 12 and 24 breaths per minute in ventilation frequency during artificial ventilation, minute ventilation being constant. The total material consisted of 66 healthy subjects investigated under anaesthesia with artificial ventilation and 43 patients investigated during prolonged respiratory treatment. An increase in ventilation frequency resulted in an increased ratio of dead space to tidal volume (VD/VT) and in diminished alveolar ventilation with a subsequent elevation of Paco2. The pressures in airways and alveoli were lowered. The dynamic compliance both of the lungs and of the chest wall was diminished and inspiratory resistance was slightly reduced. Intrapulmonary gas distribution was unaffected. Cardiac output was increased, as was venous admixture. Pao2 was slightly reduced. The more efficient gas exchange occurring at a low ventilation frequency makes this setting preferable in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, whereas a high ventilation frequency, by improving cardiac output, may be advantageous in patients with circulatory failure.