respiratory critical-care

Static Lung Compliance Calculation

Calculates static lung compliance (Cstat) in mechanically ventilated patients. Reduced compliance (<60 mL/cmH₂O) indicates stiff lungs (ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary oedema).

Score interpretation

Severely Reduced Compliance 0–29

Cstat <30 mL/cmH₂O — severely reduced lung compliance (ARDS, severe pulmonary oedema)

→ Lung-protective ventilation: TV 4–6 mL/kg IBW, Pplat <30 cmH₂O; consider prone positioning; ECMO assessment

Moderately Reduced 30–59

Cstat 30–59 mL/cmH₂O — moderately reduced compliance (early ARDS, pneumonia)

→ Lung-protective ventilation; PEEP optimisation; daily SBT; address underlying cause

Normal Compliance 60–100

Cstat 60–100 mL/cmH₂O — normal lung compliance

→ Reassess ventilator settings; consider weaning if clinically stable

Increased Compliance ≥ 101

Cstat >100 mL/cmH₂O — increased compliance (emphysema, air trapping)

→ Check for auto-PEEP; adjust expiratory time; consider COPD/emphysema-specific ventilation strategies

Interpretation bands for the Lung Compliance. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

ARDS Network. Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for ALI and ARDS. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(18):1301–1308.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

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

Score interpretation

References

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