ucdenver.edu nih predicted body weight tidal volume chart

Therefore, by calculating initial tidal volume based on predicted (or lean) body weight rather than actual weight, configuration of the ventilator retains some connection to metabolic need (weight), while also reducing potential for volutrauma (height). Lung capacity and respiratory system compliance relate more closely to height than to weight, at least in normal subjects. The use of predicted weight is based on the assumption that volutrauma might be minimized by delivering a volume appropriate to the patient’s lung capacity. Key elements of a lung-protective strategy are the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), limitation of plateau pressure, and a minimal tidal volume scaled to a ‘predicted’, rather than actual, body weight. Recent consensus guidance recommends the lung-protective strategy also be applied in pediatric acute lung injury.

Lung-protective ventilation has also been shown to improve outcomes in patients ventilated in the operating room and in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, a ‘lung-protective strategy’ is increasingly the standard of care for acute ventilation based on data showing that this approach to treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults was associated with reduced mortality. This remains common practice for pediatric ventilation, and for much of adult ventilation. Historically, mechanical ventilation was initiated with a tidal volume based on a patient’s actual body weight, which was believed to reflect metabolic need.

Ucdenver.edu nih predicted body weight tidal volume chart