Effects of the thoracic block technique on vital signs, blood gases, and lung compliance in children with atelectasis

Objectives

This study was aimed at examining the effects of the thoracic block technique on vital signs, arterial blood gases, and lung compliance in children with unilateral atelectasis receiving mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Forty-four boys and girls with unilateral atelectasis and receiving mechanical ventilation, ranging in age from 4 months to 4 years, were recruited from the Abo El-Reesh Hospital intensive care unit at Cairo University. They were assigned to control and study groups: group A included 22 children receiving chest physical therapy, and group B included 22 children receiving the same chest physical therapy program as well as the thoracic block technique. Electrocardiography, mechanical ventilation, and blood gas analysis were conducted to assess the respiratory and heart rates, dynamic compliance, and arterial blood gases, respectively.

Results

Respiratory rate and heart rate were significantly lower in the study group than the control group (p = 0.03). PaO₂ and SaO₂ increased in both groups, and the increase was more significant (p = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively) in group B than group A. A significant decrease in PaCO₂ was observed in both groups, and the decrease was more significant in group B than group A (p = 0.02). A significant increase in dynamic lung compliance was observed in both groups, and the increase was more significant in group B than group A (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Applying the thoracic block technique rather than chest physical therapy techniques alone in children with atelectasis receiving mechanical ventilation may lead to improvements in arterial blood gases and dynamic lung compliance, and has no negative effects on heart rate and respiratory rate.