Pulse Pressure Variations as Index of Preload Dependency During Thoracic Surgery

Background: calculation of the pulse pressure variation (PPV) has repeatedly been shown to be a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients. But PPV measurement has not been yet validated in thoracic surgery during one-lung ventilation. The modifications of intrathoracic pressure induced by one-lung ventilation may altered the capabilities of PPV to predict fluid responsiveness.This study was designed to assess the ability of PPV predict fluid responsiveness during one-lung ventilation in thoracic surgery.

Methods: a prospective observational study. Thirty five patients undergoing a pulmonary resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) will be included to achieve around one hundred fluid challenges with a 250 milliliters colloid solution in response to hemodynamic instability.Hemodynamic instability is defined as a decrease by 20 % of artery pressure from baseline and/or an increase by 20% heart rate from baseline. Fluid responsiveness is defined as an increase in stroke volume index (SVI)>10% (measured with oesophageal doppler). PPV will be calculated from recorded artery pressure curve (PPVref) before and after each fluid challenge. An automated measurement of PPV proposed by the monitor Intelview (Philips) will be recorded simultaneously before and after each fluid challenge.

Statistical analysis: receiver operating characteristic curve will be used to assess the PPV capability to predict fluid responsiveness. Correlation analysis will be achieved using a Pearson test or Spearman's rho test when necessary. Continuous data will compared using a Student t test or a Mann-Whitney test when necessary.