The Effect of Tidal Volumes of Mechanically Ventilated Patients on Lung Sliding Amplitude in Point-Of-Care Lung Ultrasound.

Abstract

Objectives: Several factors influencing lung sliding amplitude have been identified. However, the effect of tidal volume changes on lung sliding amplitude in the same patient remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between lung sliding amplitude, tidal volume, lung compliance, and mortality.

Methods: This was a single-center, observational, and prospective study. Lung sliding amplitudes were measured at four points using ultrasound in patients connected to mechanical ventilators in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital. In patients in whom tidal volume adjustments were made, lung measurements were repeated.

Results: A total of 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria between June 2024 and September 2024 were included in the study. After a reduction in tidal volume, lung sliding amplitudes in all four lung regions significantly decreased in the second measurement compared to the first (p < 0.001). There was a weak positive correlation between lung compliance and both right and left basal lung sliding amplitudes (rho: 0.397, rho: 0.298, respectively), which was statistically significant (p = 0.004 and p = 0.045, respectively). There was also a significant relationship between the initially measured right basal lung sliding amplitude and mortality (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: In patients receiving mechanical ventilation support, a reduction in tidal volume results in decreased lung sliding amplitude. There is a relationship between lung sliding amplitude measured in the basal lung regions and lung compliance. Lung sliding amplitude measured in the right basal region may be associated with mortality, but this association is not present in other lung regions.