Case 54: A Statistical Impasse

Abstract

We submitted a paper dealing with the impact of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) (0.5–10 cm H₂O) on the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) cross-sectional area (CSA) in obese patients. Other studies have looked at this question but we decided to examine both the impact of RIJA CSA as well as the cardiovascular tolerance to the increased PEEP. Each patient acted as his/her own control. This question had not been addressed before. We found an increase in CSA associated with the increased PEEP, but there was a 25 % incidence of patient cardiovascular intolerance to the increased PEEP. Our statistical analysis was with a two paired Student’s t-test.