Fig. 3.
Oxygenation and driving pressure. Oxygenation (arterial partial pressure of oxygen to inspired fraction of oxygen ratio) and respiratory system stress as airway driving pressure are represented at the three time-points of the study protocol. The stepwise increase in oxygenation together with the decrease in driving pressure are indicative of progressive lung recruitment. Setting positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) according to a PEEPDECREMENTAL trial after a recruitment maneuver obtains the highest oxygenation and represents the most protective lung ventilation strategy. *P < 0.05 vs. PEEPARDSnet; #P < 0.05 vs. PEEPINCREMENTAL. Data are expressed as mean ± SD.