Acute effects of intermittent positive pressure breathing in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

The immediate effects of intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) on air were studied in seven patients (age 55-73 years) with advanced chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Dynamic lung compliance was reduced by an average of 25% by IPPB, while inspiratory resistance increased by 40%. Distribution of inspired gas, as determined by nitrogen washout, became more even with IPPB. Respiratory frequency was not altered, whereas total ventilation increased by 25% during IPPB and PaCO2 was reduced. Oxygen uptake was reduced by 6%. PaO2 did not change during IPPB but had decreased by an average of 20% 10 minutes after IPPB and then slowly improved; PaCO2 did not change after IPPB. The pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and in pulmonary wedge position all increased approximately 2 mm Hg (approximately 2 cm H2O) with IPPB, while intrathoracic pressure rose on an average by 5 cm H2O, the transmural pressures thus being lowered during IPPB. The pulmonary vascular resistance was not significantly altered by IPPB, whereas the systemic vascular resistance rose 25%. Cardiac output was reduced approximately 20% and venous admixture almost 50%.