Dead space analysis at different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on Bohr's dead space (VD/VT) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Material And Methods: Fourteen ARDS patients under lung protective ventilation settings were submitted to 4 different levels of PEEP (0, 6, 10, 16 cmHO). Respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics and volumetric capnography were recorded at each protocol step.

Sources of innovation: an assessment of intellectual property.

An analysis of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved new molecular entities (NMEs) reveals dynamism in terms of new innovation. An assessment of the first patent for each drug shows that the pharmaceutical industry, particularly large, established companies in North America, tend to dominate the field. Over the past 10-15 years, European and Asian organizations have begun to close the gap.