Table 1.

Treatment goals and limitations after randomization

Group	GOAL		LP		HP
VT	Minimal
RR (bpm)	40–60		6–35		6–35
Arterial pH	7.35		7.30–7.45		7.30–7.45
PPLAT (cm H2O)	30		25–30		40–45
PEEPTOT (cm H2O) and FIO2 to achieve PaO2 9–12 kPa. For high- and low-pressure groups, allowable combinations are indicated	PEEPTOT	FIO2	PEEPTOT	FIO2	PEEPTOT	FIO2
	Maximal	Adjustable	5	0.3	As in group LP
			5	0.4
			8	0.4
			8	0.5
			10	0.5
			10	0.6
			10	0.7
			12	0.7
			14	0.7
			14	0.8
			14	0.9
			16	0.9
			18	0.9
			18	1.0
			20	1.0
			22	1.0
			24	1.0