Effects of variable versus nonvariable controlled mechanical ventilation on pulmonary inflammation in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome in pigs

Mechanical ventilation with variable tidal volumes (VT) may improve lung function and reduce ventilator-induced lung injury in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, previous investigations were limited to less than 6 h, and control groups did not follow clinical standards. We hypothesised that 24 h of mechanical ventilation with variable VT reduces pulmonary inflammation (as reflected by neutrophil infiltration), compared with standard protective, nonvariable ventilation.