Evaluation of the knowledge base of French intensivists and anaesthesiologists as concerns the interpretation of respiratory arterial pulse pressure variation

Abstract Objective The aims of the study were to assess the knowledge of intensivists and/or anaesthesiologists concerning respiratory arterial pulse pressure variation (PPV) and to define the criteria used to indicate a fluid challenge. Study design A prospective observational study. Patients and methods Intensivists and anaesthesiologists from one region of France were evaluated for their knowledge about the prerequisites (continuous arterial pressure monitoring, regular sinus rhythm, mechanical ventilation without spontaneous breathing) and confounding factors shifting the threshold value of PPV (low tidal volume, decreased pulmonary compliance, low heart rate/respiratory rate ratio, right ventricular dysfunction, and/or intra-abdominal hypertension) using clinical vignettes. Criteria used by physicians to indicate a fluid challenge were also collected. Results One hundred and forty-five physicians were included in the study. Among them, 87 (60%) knew prerequisites but none of them had full knowledge of all confounding factors. Criteria used to perform a fluid challenge were mainly PPV and the passive leg-raising test for the residents and PPV, blood pressure, oliguria and hydric balance for the qualified physicians. Conclusions PPV was widely employed to indicate a fluid challenge and 60% of the physicians knew the prerequisites. However, the physicians did not correctly interpret all confounding factors.