Why do pulse pressure variations fail to predict the response to fluids in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients ventilated with low tidal volume?

Abstract

Respiratory-associated variations in stroke volume and pulse pressure are frequently used to predict the response to fluid administration. However, it has been demonstrated that low tidal volume ventilation may limit their use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this issue, a trial investigates the value of pulse pressure variation to predict fluid responsiveness in a large series of patients with ARDS ventilated according to current guidelines. © 2011 BioMed Central Ltd.