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respiratory critical-care

Physiological Dead Space (Bohr Equation)

Calculates physiological dead space fraction using the Bohr-Enghoff equation. Elevated VD/VT (>0.6) predicts poor outcomes in ARDS.

Score interpretation

Normal dead space fraction

→ Normal ventilation efficiency

Elevated dead space

→ Investigate cause (PE, ARDS, low cardiac output); optimise PEEP

Severely elevated dead space (>=0.5)

→ Poor ventilation efficiency; consider ECMO assessment in ARDS; optimise ventilator settings

Interpretation bands for the Dead Space (Bohr). Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.