Impact of the Depth of Neuromuscular Blockade on Respiratory Mechanics in Moderate to Severe ARDS Patients

Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is proposed in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The supposed benefit of these muscle relaxants could be partly linked to their effects on respiratory mechanics by reducing ventilator induced lung injuries (VILI), especially the so called atelectrauma. Although its monitoring is recommended in clinical practice, data about the depth of NMB necessary for an effective relaxation of the thoracic and diaphragmatic muscles and, therefore, the reduction of the chest wall elastance, are scarce. The investigators hypothesised that complete versus partial NMB can modify respiratory mechanics and its partitioning.