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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Review

Breathing variability—implications for anaesthesiology and intensive care

Authors: Oscar F. C. van den Bosch, Ricardo Alvarez-Jimenez, Harm-Jan de Grooth, Armand R. J. Girbes, Stephan A. Loer

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

The respiratory system reacts instantaneously to intrinsic and extrinsic inputs. This adaptability results in significant fluctuations in breathing parameters, such as respiratory rate, tidal volume, and inspiratory flow profiles. Breathing variability is influenced by several conditions, including sleep, various pulmonary diseases, hypoxia, and anxiety disorders. Recent studies have suggested that weaning failure during mechanical ventilation may be predicted by low respiratory variability. This review describes methods for quantifying breathing variability, summarises the conditions and comorbidities that affect breathing variability, and discusses the potential implications of breathing variability for anaesthesia and intensive care.
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Metadata
Title
Breathing variability—implications for anaesthesiology and intensive care
Authors
Oscar F. C. van den Bosch
Ricardo Alvarez-Jimenez
Harm-Jan de Grooth
Armand R. J. Girbes
Stephan A. Loer
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03716-0

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