Surface Electrical Myography, Oxygen Consumption, Effort, and Weaning in the Mechanically Ventilated Patient in the Intensive Care Unit

Rationale: In patients mechanically ventilated for more than 72 hours weaning from the ventilator and successful extubation can be problematic. The spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is a tool to predict successful extubation. However re-intubation withing 48 hours occurs in 15-20% of the patients after a successful SBT. The key parameter of the SBT is the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI). Since the rate of extubation failure is still high the search for a better parameter than the RSBI is warranted.

Recently measurement of the surface electromyography of the respiratory muscles has become available with the Surface Electromyography Respiratory Assist (SERA), which has been developed by Demcon-Macawi. The device is currently investigated in neonates in search of an apnea detection algorithm (protocol ID NL83937.000.23). The device gives an estimate of the magnitude of the electric activity of the diaphragm which has a good correlation with the force the diaphragm generates. It is known that the diaphragm is the key respiratory muscle and that dysfunction of the diaphragm has a strong association with weaning failure. We think that this signal could be of great value in detecting weaning and extubation failure therefore we want to investigate if the sEMG signal derived from the SERA device has an association with weaning failure, defined as an unsuccessful SBT, or extubation failure, defined as the need for re-intubation for respiratory reasons within 48 hours after a successful SBT and subsequent extubation.

Objective: Primary objective is to investigate if the sEMG signal derived from the SERA device has an association with weaning failure, defined as an unsuccessful SBT, or extubation failure, defined as the need for re-intubation for respiratory reasons within 48 hours after a successful SBT and subsequent extubation.

Secondary objectives are to investigate if the sEMG signal has an association with other measurements of effort (pressure time product (PTP), Work of breathing (WOB), Transpulmonary pressure swings, oesophageal pressure swings, and oxygen consumption).

Study design: A single center prospective cohort feasibility/pilot study performed on patients undergoing a spontaneous breathing trial. Measurements will commence 10 minutes before the planned SBT, will continue during the SBT until 10 minutes after the termination of the SBT. Measurement data will be derived from the SERA, the mechanical ventilator (Hamilton C6), and the Masimo ISA OR+. The SBT will done according to the ruling protocol in the LUMC.

Intervention: None Main study parameters/endpoints: Magnitude of the electric signal (base level, or tonic level, maximum level, AUC of the electric signal during contraction in inspiration and expiration, differences between maximum and tonic levels), VO2, PTP, WOB, RSBI, diaphragmatic pressure swing.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit, and group relatedness: The collection of data will not affect the standard of care. Therefore, the patient's risk is negligible and the burden is minimal.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• Esophageal catheter in situ (standard of care)
• Eligible for an SBT in the near future according to the LUMC SBT protocol currently valid

Exclusion criteria

• Severe cardiac failure NYHA class IV without mechanical support (LVAD or Impella)
• COPD Gold IV
• Pregnancy
• Patients with ECMO