Background: Right ventricle impairment (RVI) is common during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults and children, possibly mediated by the level of transpulmonary pressure (P). We sought to investigate the impact of the level of P on ARDS-associated right ventricle impairment (RVI).
Methods: Adults and children (> 72 h of life) were included in this two centers prospective study if they were ventilated for a new-onset ARDS or pediatric ARDS, without spontaneous breathing and contra-indication to esophageal catheter.