Positive end-expiratory pressure

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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.

Contents 1 Physiology 2 Indications 3 Contraindications 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] Physiology

PEEP improves gas exchange by preventing alveolar collapse, recruiting more lung units, increasing functional residual capacity, and redistributing fluid in the alveoli.

[edit] Indications

Hypoxemia due to the following:

• ARDS
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary edema
• Atelectasis

[edit] Contraindications

• Increased Intracranial Pressure
• Pneumothorax that has not been treated
• Bronchopleural fistula

[edit] References

• Chapter 225 Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

[edit] See also

• Positive pressure ventilation
• Positive airway pressure

[edit] External links

• MeSH Positive+End-Expiratory+Pressure