Static lung compliance and lung ultrasound scores

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Lung ultrasound, through the calculation of scores, can be an alternative at the bedside to computed tomography in assessing lung aeration in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, few studies have assessed the relationship between lung ultrasound scores and the compliance of the respiratory system, which is directly related to the size of the lung participating in ventilation. <bold>Objective:</bold> To study the relationship between lung ultrasound scores and static lung compliance (C.est) in patients with ARDS. <bold>Methods:</bold> This retrospective study was conducted among non-consecutive mechanically ventilated patients admitted to a intensive care unit. Lung aeration score, B-lines score and measurement of C.est were performed during first 24 hours of mechanical ventilation. Lung aeration score was calculated by summing 12 regional scores (range 0-36). The B-lines were counted in 4 intercostal spaces (range 0-32). <bold>Results:</bold> Twenty-eight patients were evaluated (17 men, mean age of 61.5 + 16.3 years and mean body mass index of 38.84 +9.1). The mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 169.3 + 58.6. All patients were mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume < 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight. The mean driving pressure was 12.2 + 2.8 cmH20 and the mean C.est was 30.9 + 8.4 mL/cm. The mean lung aeration score was 24.4 + 4.1 and the mean B-lines score was 23.6 + 6.5. The lung aeration score [r=-0.37, p=0.04] negatively correlated with C.est. B-lines score [r=-0.27, p=0.15] was not correlated with C.est. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> In patients with ARDS, the lung aeration score correlated with static lung compliance.