The influence of venous admixture on alveolar dead space and carbon dioxide exchange in acute respiratory distress syndrome: computer modelling
Introduction Alveolar dead space reflects phenomena that render arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide higher than that of mixed alveolar gas, disturbing carbon dioxide exchange. Right-to-left shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) leads to an alveolar dead space fraction (VdA(S)/VtA; where VtA is alveolar tidal volume). In acute respiratory distress syndrome, ancillary physiological disturbances may include