Comparison of pressure-regulated volume control ventilation and pressure control ventilation in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome

Mechanical ventilation support is commonly required in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). In the present study, pressure-regulated volume control ventilation (PRVCV) was compared to pressure control ventilation (PCV) in patients with ACS. The prospective study included 40 patients with ACS who were randomized into the PCV or PRVCV groups and subjected to the different modes of ventilation. After 6 h of ventilation, arterial blood gas, respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics parameters, as well as the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. Compared to the PCV mode, mechanical ventilation with PRVCV lead to a significant decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, the peak inspiratory pressure, the mean inspiratory pressure, the central venous pressure, the heart rate and the extravascular lung water index. In addition, a marked improvement in pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygenation index and pulmonary static compliance was noted. However, no significant differences in airway resistance, mean arterial pressure, or IAP and SOFA scores were obtained. In conclusion, the PRVCV mode is better than the PCV mode in ventilation patients with ACS, and should therefore be used as a lung protective strategy. The present study was registered at Chictr.org (no. ChiCTR1800016869).