Positive end-expiratory pressure

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a term used in mechanical ventilation to denote the amount of pressure above atmospheric pressure present in the airway at the end of the expiratory cycle. The equivalent in a spontaneously breathing patient is CPAP. PEEP is set on the ventilator.

Positive physiological effects

• Improved gas exchange
• Alveolar recruitment
• Increased functional residual capacity
• Redistribution of fluids in the alveolus

Negative physiological effects

• Decreased Cardiac output
• Decreased venous return
• Increased ICP
• Barotrauma
• Hypotension

Indications

Hypoxemia due to the following:

• ARDS
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary edema
• Atelectasis

Contraindications

• Increased Intracranial Pressure
• Pneumothorax that has not been treated
• Bronchopleural fistula
• Patients with highly compliant lungs (e.g. COPD)
• Hypovolemia
• Low cardiac output (CO)

References

• Chapter 225 Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

See also

• Positive pressure ventilation
• Positive airway pressure

External links

• Positive+End-Expiratory+Pressure at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)