Effect of inspiratory flow rate on respiratory rate in intubated ventilated patients

摘要

It has previously been demonstrated that in normal subjects using a volume-cycled ventilator, in- creasing inspiratory flow rate increases respiratory rate. We undertook the current study to deter- mine (1) whether this effects is also present in patients with respiratory disease and (2) whether the effect if independent of upper airway receptors. Eight ventilator-dependent patients in the intensive care unit were studied. Patients were ventilated in the assist-control mode with the back-up rate set at 0.5 breaths/min to ensure that all breaths were patient-triggered.