The impact of positive end-expiratory pressure on right ventricular function in patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS: a prospective paired-design study.

Objective: To determine the effects of varying positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEPs) on right ventricular function, hemodynamics, oxygenation, and the incidence of acute cor pulmonale (ACP) in patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: This prospective paired-design study involved patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS in the ICU. Participants received lung-protective ventilation and hemodynamic monitoring.