Value of Diaphragm Function Predicting Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation

The reason of failure of weaning from mechanical ventilation is that their respiratory loads exceeding the capacity of their respiratory muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate diaphragmatic ultrasound related parameters and electric activity of diaphragm (EADI) during SBT and postural changes to predict weaning outcome. EADI catheter consists of a nasogastric feeding tube equipped with a multiple-array esophageal electrode that provides real time access to EADI.

Patients intubated and ventilated for at least 48 h were eligible for inclusion in the study.

After the ward physician judged that the patients' condition met the offline standard, patients were prepared to conduct spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). All recruited patients were placed EADI catheter.

The protocol started with patients ventilated on a PSV of 10 cm H2O above a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 4-5 cm H2O. Then record ventilator parameters, EADI parameters (including maximum EADI, minimum EADI, area under the curve of the EADI during inspiratory time) and diaphragmatic ultrasound related parameters (diaphragm thickness and diaphragm displacement) respectively in the semi-seated and supine positions. Then assist was removed and a 30-minute SBT was performed with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 4-5 cm H2O at the previous level of FiO2. At 0, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes into the SBT vital signs, ventilatory parameters (including RR, Vt, Ppeak, PEEP, P0.1, MV) were collected. Arterial blood gases were sampled at the start and the end of the SBT.

The SBT was considered to be a failure if at least one the following criteria was present: (1) blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of <90 % with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of≥50 %; (2) acute respiratory distress (RR≥40/min, agitation, cyanosis); (3) systolic arterial blood pressure of ≥180 mmHg; (4) cardiac arrhythmias; (5) respiratory acidosis [pH<7.32 with an arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) of ≥50 mmHg]. If none of these failure criteria was present, the SBT was considered as successfully completed.

Patient was reconnected if signs of intolerance were present. The separation from the ventilator and the endotracheal tube was considered a success when spontaneous breathing could be sustained without any form of ventilatory support at 48h after extubation. Failure cases included patients who failed the SBT and patients requiring reintubation or any form of ventilator support (including non-invasive ventilation for post-extubation acute respiratory failure) during the first 48 h after extubation.