Diaphragm ultrasonography to estimate the work of breathing during non-invasive ventilation

Ultrasonography allows the direct observation of the diaphragm. Its thickness variation measured in the zone of apposition has been previously used to diagnose diaphragm paralysis. We assessed the feasibility and accuracy of this method to assess diaphragmatic function and its contribution to respiratory workload in critically ill patients under non-invasive ventilation.This was a preliminary physiological study in the intensive care unit of a...