Experimental intra-abdominal hypertension attenuates the benefit of positive end-expiratory pressure in ventilating effusion-compressed lungs*.

Objective:To test the ability of positive end-expiratory pressure to offset the reduction of resting lung volume caused by intra abdominal hypertension, unilateral pleural effusion, and their combination.Design:Controlled application of intrapleural fluid, raised abdominal pressure and their combina