Study of the Influence of Various Tidal Volumes on Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of low (6 ml/kg) and high (12 ml/kg) tidal volume ventilation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of ICU patients without lung injury. As the analysis of EBC is reflecting the composition of epithelial lining fluid (ELF), the study of EBC pH and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers could have the potential for assessing lung inflammation caused by mechanical ventilation. This study also aims to look at the possibility to identify selective profiles of biomarkers that might have a prognostic and/or diagnostic value in the follow up of these patients.