Dry Lungs Are Happy Lungs

Using B-type natriuretic peptide levels as a guide during ventilator weaning led to negative fluid balances and no adverse consequences.

In 2006, ARDSNet investigators demonstrated that aggressive diuresis of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulted in earlier liberation from ventilators (N Engl J Med 2006; 354:2564). Unfortunately, their central venous pressure (CVP)-guided protocol was complex, and few institutions implemented it. Could an easier B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-driven protocol be effective?

European investigators randomized 308 patients who were ready to wean from mechanical ventilation to either a BNP-guided diuresis protocol or usual care. A third of the patients were being treated for ARDS, and 25% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All patients were put on an automatic weaning system, which allowed for consistency in ve…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar