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Table 1 Common causes of defects in inspiratory flow-generation pathway in critically ill patients

From: Respiratory drive: a journey from health to disease

Level

Causes

Motor neurons

Trauma/ALS

Phrenic nerve

Critical illness polyneuropathy

Neuromuscular junction

NMBA/myasthenia gravis/poisoning

Diaphragm

Myotrauma

Equation of motion

 ↑Rrs

Obstructive diseases (asthma/COPD)

 ↑Ers

Restrictive diseases (ARDS)

 ↑PEE

Dynamic hyperinflation

  1. ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; NMBA: neuromuscular blocking agents; Rs: resistance of respiratory system; Ers: elastance of respiratory system; PEE: elastic recoil pressure of respiratory system at the end of expiration; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome
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Journal of Intensive Care

ISSN: 2052-0492