Effects of 2 modes of positive pressure ventilation on respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in foals.

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) can improve respiratory mechanics and gas exchange, but different airway pressures have not been compared in foals.

Hypothesis/objectives: Assess the effect of different airway pressures during CPAP and PSV have on respiratory function in healthy foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory insufficiency. We hypothesized that increased airway pressures would improve respiratory mechanics and increased positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) would be associated with hypercapnia.