Comparison of the tidal volume by the recruitment maneuver combined with positive end-expiratory pressure for mechanically ventilated children

The recruitment maneuver (RM) combined with PEEP to prevent atelectasis have beneficial effects. However, the change in tidal volume (V(T)) due to RM combined with PEEP in pediatric patients during the induction of general anesthesia is unknown. Therefore, we assessed the effects of RM combined with PEEP on V(T). Pediatric patients were divided into three groups: infants, preschool children, and school children. The RM was performed by maintaining pressure control continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV) with a 15 cmH(2)O and PEEP increase of 5 cmH(2)O. V(T), respiratory function and hemodynamics were monitored before and after RM combined with PEEP. V(T) (mL) /ideal body weight (kg) before vs. after RM combined with PEEP were 9 vs 12 mL/kg (p < 0.05) in the infants, 9 vs 11 mL/kg (p < 0.05) in the preschool children, 8 vs 10 mL/kg (p < 0.05) in the school children, respectively. HR and BP before and after RM combined with PEEP increased by 2–3% and decreased by 4–7% in all groups. RM combined with PEEP resulted in an increase in V(T) per ideal body weight (1.1–1.2%). Therefore, this RM combined with PEEP method might improve the lung function in pediatric patients.