End-Expiratory Occlusion Test Predicts Preload Responsiveness Independently of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure During Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective:A 15-second end-expiratory occlusion increases cardiac preload and allows detection of preload dependence. We tested whether the reliability of this test depends upon positive end-expiratory pressure.Design:Prospective study.Setting:Medical ICU.Patients:Thirty-four patients presenting with