Diaphragm Ultrasound to Predict Weaning Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

This trial enrolled all the adult patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 48 hours and met all creteria for extubation. Patients who needed reintubation for upper aiway obstruction, neurological or hemodynamic alteration were excluded. The diaphragm ultrasound was performed during spontaneous breathing test or pressure support ventilation trial measuring the dipahragmatic excursion (DE) and the diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) whithin 24 hours before extubation. The investigators compared the median values of DE and DTF in the group of successfully extubated patients and the group of patients who needed reintubation.

Our study compared the utility of DTF and DE to predict extubation success.

Inclusion criteria

• patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 48h and meeting all criteria for extubation
• patients without history of neuromuscular disease, or severe chronic respiratory failure

Exclusion criteria

• patients who needed reintubation for upper airway obstruction or neurological or hemodynamic instability