permissive hypercapnia


permissive hypercapnia

Critical care An approach to management of acute respiratory failure in which the tidal volume–VT is lower–5-8 mL/kg than that conventionally used–10-15 mL/kg, the arterial Pco2 is allowed to rise above the 'normal' of 40 mm Hg, and no attempts are made to compensate for subsequent changes in blood pH–respiratory acidosis, the deleterious effects of which may have been overestimated

permissive hypercapnia

Intentional limiting of airway pressures and tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation, thereby allowing PaCO2 to rise above normal, in order to minimize the risk of lung injury.

CAUTION!

Permissive hypercapnia should be avoided in patients who may not tolerate high carbon dioxide levels or acidosis, e.g., patients with sickle cell anemia or those with high intracranial pressures.
See also: hypercapnia