What does plateau pressure reflect in respiratory monitoring?

Plateau pressure is a critical measurement in respiratory monitoring, particularly in patients with mechanical ventilation. It reflects the pressure in the alveoli at the end of inspiration when airflow has ceased. This metric is essential because it helps assess the compliance of the lungs and chest wall, thereby giving insights into conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or restrictive lung disease.

When plateau pressure is measured, it indicates the pressure required to maintain inflation of the alveoli without the influence of airway resistance, since it's measured during a pause in breathing. This allows for an accurate evaluation of the lung's ability to expand and fill with air, independent of factors affecting airflow, such as bronchospasm or secretions in the airways. Monitoring this parameter helps guide treatment decisions and interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation in critically ill patients.