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PedsCrit

Mechanical Ventilation in Status Asthmaticus Part 2 with Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield

Feb 20, 2023
Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield, a Critical Care attending at Children’s National Hospital, discusses strategies for managing mechanical ventilation in patients with asthma. Topics covered include evaluation and adjustment of plateau pressure and peak pressure settings, benefits and risks of paralyzing intubated asthmatic patients, criteria for considering ECMO, and considerations for mechanical ventilation and extubation in status asthmaticus.
24:28

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Quick takeaways

  • Monitoring the narrowing gap between plateau pressure and peak pressure can indicate improvement in bronchospasm in intubated asthma patients, while comparing end-tidal CO2 levels with blood gas results helps assess changes in dead space ratio.
  • Intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can be measured through an end-expiratory hold, and adjusting PEEP levels based on intrinsic PEEP measurements and observing changes in gas exchange can guide ventilation management in asthmatic patients.

Deep dives

Mechanical Ventilation in Asthma: Monitoring Bronchospasm Improvement

When monitoring a patient who has been intubated for asthma, narrowing of the gap between plateau pressure and peak pressure indicates improvement in bronchospasm. Additionally, checking end-tidal CO2 levels and comparing them with blood gas results can help assess any changes in dead space ratio. These indicators can provide insights into whether the intervention is progressing positively or if further intervention is required.

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