Guideline
- Pulmonary
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Liberation from mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines
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Tae Sun Ha, Dong Kyu Oh, Hak-Jae Lee, Youjin Chang, In Seok Jeong, Yun Su Sim, Suk-Kyung Hong, Sunghoon Park, Gee Young Suh, So Young Park
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Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):1-23. Published online February 28, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00052
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Abstract
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Supplementary Material
- Background
Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation is one of the most crucial processes in critical care because it is the first step by which a respiratory failure patient begins to transition out of the intensive care unit and return to their own life. Therefore, when devising appropriate strategies for removing mechanical ventilation, it is essential to consider not only the individual experiences of healthcare professionals, but also scientific and systematic approaches. Recently, numerous studies have investigated methods and tools for identifying when mechanically ventilated patients are ready to breathe on their own. The Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine therefore provides these recommendations to clinicians about liberation from the ventilator.
Methods
Meta-analyses and comprehensive syntheses were used to thoroughly review, compile, and summarize the complete body of relevant evidence. All studies were meticulously assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method, and the outcomes were presented succinctly as evidence profiles. Those evidence syntheses were discussed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts in mechanical ventilation, who then developed and approved recommendations.
Results
Recommendations for nine PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions about ventilator liberation are presented in this document. This guideline includes seven conditional recommendations, one expert consensus recommendation, and one conditional deferred recommendation.
Conclusions
We developed these clinical guidelines for mechanical ventilation liberation to provide meaningful recommendations. These guidelines reflect the best treatment for patients seeking liberation from mechanical ventilation.
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Citations
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- Comparison of programmed sedation care with conventional care in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure
Jiantang Wang, Yuntao Li, Yujuan Han, Xinyu Yuan
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -).2025; 194(1): 289. CrossRef - Clinical predictors of extubation failure in postoperative critically ill patients: a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study
Jun Hattori, Aiko Tanaka, Junko Kosaka, Osamu Hirao, Nana Furushima, Yuichi Maki, Daijiro Kabata, Akinori Uchiyama, Moritoki Egi, Hiroshi Morimatsu, Satoshi Mizobuchi, Yoshifumi Kotake, Ayumi Shintani, Yukiko Koyama, Takeshi Yoshida, Yuji Fujino
BMC Anesthesiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - RELAÇÃO DA FORÇA MUSCULAR PERIFÉRICA COM O DESMAME DA VENTILAÇÃO MECÂNICA
Débora Rillary Duarte Filho, Gabriella Schultz Malagute, Luciana Ferreira Rihs, Priscila Corrêa Cavalcanti
Revista Saúde Dos Vales.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Original Articles
- Pulmonary
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The role of diaphragmatic thickness measurement in weaning prediction and its comparison with rapid shallow breathing index: a single-center experience
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Lokesh Kumar Lalwani, Manjunath B Govindagoudar, Pawan Kumar Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Dhruva Chaudhry
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Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(3):347-354. Published online July 25, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00108
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5,126
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257
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is commonly managed with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The majority of the time that a patient spends on IMV is in the process of weaning. Prediction of the weaning outcome is of paramount importance, as untimely/delayed extubation is associated with a high risk of mortality. Diaphragmatic ultrasonography is a promising tool in the intensive care unit, and its utility in predicting the success of weaning remains understudied.
Methods
In this prospective-observational study, we recruited 54 ARF patients on IMV, along with 50 healthy controls. During a spontaneous breathing trial, all subjects underwent diaphragmatic ultrasonography along with a rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) assessment.
Results
The mean age was 41.8±17.0 and 37.6±10.5 years among the cases and control group, respectively. Demographic variables were broadly similar in the two groups. The most common cause of ARF was obstructive airway disease. The average duration of IMV was 5.41±2.81 days. Out of 54 subjects, 45 were successfully weaned, while nine patients failed weaning. Age, body mass index, and severity of disease were similar in the successful and failed weaning patients. The sensitivity in predicting successful weaning of percent change in diaphragmatic thickness (Δtdi%) >29.71% was high (93.33%), while specificity was 66.67%. The sensitivity and specificity of mean diaphragmatic thickness (tdi) end-expiratory >0.178 cm was 60.00% and 77.78%, respectively. RSBI at 1 minute of <93.75 had an equally high sensitivity (93.33%) but a lower specificity (22.22%). Similar results were also found for RSBI measured at 5 minutes.
Conclusions
During the weaning assessment, the purpose is to minimize both premature as well as delayed extubation. We found that diaphragmatic ultrasonography, in particular Δtdi%, is better than RSBI in predicting weaning outcomes.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- A Muscle-Driven Spine Model for Predictive Simulations in the Design of Spinal Implants and Lumbar Orthoses
Robin Remus, Andreas Lipphaus, Marisa Ritter, Marc Neumann, Beate Bender
Bioengineering.2025; 12(3): 263. CrossRef - Ultrasonography to Access Diaphragm Dysfunction and Predict the Success of Mechanical Ventilation Weaning in Critical Care
Marta Rafael Marques, José Manuel Pereira, José Artur Paiva, Gonzalo García de Casasola‐Sánchez, Yale Tung‐Chen
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.2024; 43(2): 223. CrossRef - Accuracy of respiratory muscle assessments to predict weaning outcomes: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis
Diego Poddighe, Marine Van Hollebeke, Yasir Qaiser Choudhary, Débora Ribeiro Campos, Michele R. Schaeffer, Jan Y. Verbakel, Greet Hermans, Rik Gosselink, Daniel Langer
Critical Care.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragm thickness and excursion: correlation with weaning success in trauma patients: prospective cohort study
Golnar Sabetian, Mandana Mackie, Naeimehossadat Asmarian, Mahsa Banifatemi, Gregory A. Schmidt, Mansoor Masjedi, Shahram Paydar, Farid Zand
Journal of Anesthesia.2024; 38(3): 354. CrossRef - Point-of-Care Ultrasound, an Integral Role in the Future of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery?
Peter Van de Putte, An Wallyn, Rosemary Hogg, Lars Knudsen, Kariem El-Boghdadly
Anesthesia & Analgesia.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Diaphragm muscle parameters as a predictive tool for weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Yashar Iran Pour, Afrooz Zandifar
European Journal of Translational Myology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Diaphragm dysfunction as a prognostic criterion of external respiratory impairment and necessary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with chronic heart failure
V.S. Shabaev, V.A. Mazurok, L.Z. Biktasheva, L.G. Vasilyeva, K.Yu. Kozhieva, I.A. Danilova, N.A. Osipova
Russian Journal of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology.2024; (6): 38. CrossRef - Diaphragmatic ultrasound: A new frontier in weaning from mechanical ventilation
Manoj Kamal, Saikat Sengupta
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia.2023; 67(Suppl 4): S205. CrossRef
- Pulmonary
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Diaphragm ultrasound as a better predictor of successful extubation from mechanical ventilation than rapid shallow breathing index
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Mohammad Jhahidul Alam, Simanta Roy, Mohammad Azmain Iktidar, Fahmida Khatun Padma, Khairul Islam Nipun, Sreshtha Chowdhury, Ranjan Kumar Nath, Harun-Or Rashid
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Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(1):94-100. Published online January 11, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01354
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10,190
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Abstract
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- Background
In 3%–19% of patients, reintubation is needed 48–72 hours following extubation, which increases intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity, mortality, and expenses. Extubation failure is frequently caused by diaphragm dysfunction. Ultrasonography can be used to determine the mobility and thickness of the diaphragm. This study looked at the role of diaphragm excursion (DE) and thickening fraction in predicting successful extubation from mechanical ventilation.
Methods
Thirty-one patients were extubated with the advice of an ICU consultant using the ICU weaning regimen and diaphragm ultrasonography was performed. Ultrasound DE and thickening fraction were measured three times: at the commencement of the t-piece experiment, at 10 minutes, and immediately before extubation. All patients' parameters were monitored for 48 hours after extubation. Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was also measured at the same time.
Results
Successful extubation was significantly correlated with DE (P=0.01). Receiver curve analysis for DE to predict successful extubation revealed good properties (area under the curve [AUC], 0.83; P<0.001); sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 84.6%, positive predictive value (PPV), 87.5%; negative predictive value (NPV), 73.3% while cut-off value, 11.43 mm. Diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) also revealed moderate curve properties (AUC, 0.69; P=0.06); sensitivity, 61.1%; specificity, 84.6%; PPV, 87.5%; NPV, 61.1% with cut-off value 22.33% although former one was slightly better. RSBI could not reach good receiver operating characteristic value at cut-off points 100 b/min/L (AUC, 0.58; P=0.47); sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 53.8%; PPV, 66.7%; NPV, 53.8%).
Conclusions
To decrease the rate of reintubation, DE and DTF are better indicators of successful extubation. DE outperforms DTF.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Progress in Clinical Application of
Diaphragm Ultrasound
雨晨 甘
Advances in Clinical Medicine.2025; 15(01): 309. CrossRef - Predictive value of bedside diaphragmatic ultrasonography for extubation success in critically ill patients after general anaesthesia: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA)
Lan Ma, Na Zhou, Kaiming Yuan, Zihao Xue, Kai Lv, Jingying Huang
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia.2025; 69(1): 38. CrossRef - Rapid shallow breathing index predicting extubation outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Donghui Jia, Hengyang Wang, Qian Wang, Wenrui Li, Xuhong Lan, Hongfang Zhou, Zhigang Zhang
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing.2024; 80: 103551. CrossRef - Ultrasonography to Access Diaphragm Dysfunction and Predict the Success of Mechanical Ventilation Weaning in Critical Care
Marta Rafael Marques, José Manuel Pereira, José Artur Paiva, Gonzalo García de Casasola‐Sánchez, Yale Tung‐Chen
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.2024; 43(2): 223. CrossRef - The Role of Ultrasonography in the Process of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients
Lou’i Al-Husinat, Basil Jouryyeh, Ahlam Rawashdeh, Chiara Robba, Pedro Silva, Patricia Rocco, Denise Battaglini
Diagnostics.2024; 14(4): 398. CrossRef - Critical illness-associated limb and diaphragmatic weakness
Valentine Le Stang, Nicola Latronico, Martin Dres, Michele Bertoni
Current Opinion in Critical Care.2024; 30(2): 121. CrossRef - Accuracy of respiratory muscle assessments to predict weaning outcomes: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis
Diego Poddighe, Marine Van Hollebeke, Yasir Qaiser Choudhary, Débora Ribeiro Campos, Michele R. Schaeffer, Jan Y. Verbakel, Greet Hermans, Rik Gosselink, Daniel Langer
Critical Care.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Diaphragm muscle parameters as a predictive tool for weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Yashar Iran Pour, Afrooz Zandifar
European Journal of Translational Myology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Role of diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Prakash Banjade, Yasoda Rijal, Munish Sharma, Salim Surani
World Journal of Clinical Cases.2024; 12(36): 6887. CrossRef - Predictors of weaning failure in ventilated intensive care patients: a systematic evidence map
Fritz Sterr, Michael Reintke, Lydia Bauernfeind, Volkan Senyol, Christian Rester, Sabine Metzing, Rebecca Palm
Critical Care.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Diaphragmatic Dynamics Assessed by Bedside Ultrasound Predict Extubation in the Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Observational Study
Tianjie Zhang, Yan Liu, Dongwei Xu, Rui Dong, Ye Song
International Journal of General Medicine.2024; Volume 17: 5373. CrossRef - Application of pulmonary ultrasound for respiratory failure in intensive care unit
Jean Deschamps, Hameid Alenazy, Martin Girard
Journal of Translational Critical Care Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Time to Peak Inspiratory Amplitude, A Novel Diaphragm Ultrasound Parameter to Predict Extubation Outcome
Sivakumar MN, Indumathi S, TA Senthilnathan, Senthilkumar RS
Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2024; 28(S1): S393. CrossRef - Ultrasonographic Assessment of Diaphragmatic Function and Its Clinical Application in the Management of Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure
Marina Saad, Stefano Pini, Fiammetta Danzo, Francesca Mandurino Mirizzi, Carmine Arena, Francesco Tursi, Dejan Radovanovic, Pierachille Santus
Diagnostics.2023; 13(3): 411. CrossRef - The ratio of respiratory rate to diaphragm thickening fraction for predicting extubation success
Dararat Eksombatchai, Chalermwut Sukkratok, Yuda Sutherasan, Detajin Junhasavasdikul, Pongdhep Theerawit
BMC Pulmonary Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Effectiveness of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a predictor of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Henry M. Parada-Gereda, Adriana L. Tibaduiza, Alejandro Rico-Mendoza, Daniel Molano-Franco, Victor H. Nieto, Wanderley A. Arias-Ortiz, Purificación Perez-Terán, Joan R. Masclans
Critical Care.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Value of Diaphragm Ultrasonography for Extubation: A Single‐Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
T. G. Toledo, M. R. Bacci, Fred A. Luchette
Critical Care Research and Practice.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Role of diaphragm ultrasound in weaning mechanically ventilated patients: A prospective observational study
Ravi Saravanan, Krishnamurthy Nivedita, Krishnamoorthy Karthik, Rajagopalan Venkatraman
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia.2022; 66(8): 591. CrossRef - The role of diaphragmatic thickness measurement in weaning prediction and its comparison with rapid shallow breathing index: a single-center experience
Lokesh Kumar Lalwani, Manjunath B Govindagoudar, Pawan Kumar Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Dhruva Chaudhry
Acute and Critical Care.2022; 37(3): 347. CrossRef - Diaphragm ultrasound in weaning from mechanical ventilation: a last step to predict successful extubation?
Domenica Di Costanzo, Mariano Mazza, Antonio Esquinas
Acute and Critical Care.2022; 37(4): 681. CrossRef - Sonographic assessment of diaphragmatic thickening and excursion as predictors of weaning success in the intensive care unit: A prospective observational study
Amandeep Kaur, Shruti Sharma, Vikram P. Singh, M. Ravi Krishna, Parshotam L. Gautam, Gagandeep Singh
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia.2022; 66(11): 776. CrossRef - Comparison of assessment of diaphragm function using speckle tracking between patients with successful and failed weaning: a multicentre, observational, pilot study
Qiancheng Xu, Xiao Yang, Yan Qian, Chang Hu, Weihua Lu, Shuhan Cai, Bo Hu, Jianguo Li
BMC Pulmonary Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef - Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function in preterm infants on non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) compared to nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV): a prospective observational study
Mohamed Elkhouli, Liran Tamir-Hostovsky, Jenna Ibrahim, Nehad Nasef, Adel Mohamed
European Journal of Pediatrics.2022; 182(2): 731. CrossRef
- Pulmonary
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Safety and feasibility of hybrid tracheostomy
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Daeun Kang, In Beom Jeong, Sun Jung Kwon, Ji Woong Son, Gwan Woo Ku
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Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(4):369-373. Published online November 26, 2021
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.00801
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- Background
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is widely used in intensive care units, but this conventional method has some disadvantages, such as requirement of a lot of equipment and experts at the site. Especially, in situations where the patient is isolated due to an infectious disease, difficulties in using the equipment may occur, and the number of exposed persons may increase. In this paper, we introduce hybrid tracheostomy that combines the advantages of surgical tracheostomy and PDT and describe our experiences.
Methods
Data from 55 patients who received hybrid tracheostomy without bronchoscopy from January 2020 to February 2021 were collected and reviewed retrospectively. Hybrid tracheostomy was performed at the bedside by a single thoracic surgeon. The hybrid tracheostomy method was as follows: after the skin was incised and the trachea was exposed, only the extent of the endotracheal tube that could not be removed was withdrawn, and then tracheostomy was performed by the Seldinger method using a PDT kit.
Results
The average age was 66.5 years, and the proportion of men was 69.1%. Among the patients, 21.8% were taking antiplatelet drugs and 14.5% were taking anticoagulants. The average duration of the procedure was 13.3 minutes. There was no major bleeding, and there was one case of paratracheal placement of the tracheostomy tube.
Conclusions
In most patients, the procedure can be safely performed without any major complications. However, patients with a short neck, a neck burn or patients who have received radiation therapy to the neck should be treated with conventional methods.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Minimally-invasive tracheostomy (MIT): A care bundle for safety improvement in high-risk critically ill patients
Dennis Christoph Harrer, Patricia Mester, Clara-Larissa Lang, Tanja Elger, Tobias Seefeldt, Lorenz Wächter, Judith Dönz, Nina Doblinger, Muriel Huss, Georgios Athanasoulas, Lea U. Krauß, Johannes Heymer, Wolfgang Herr, Tobias Schilling, Stephan Schmid, Ma
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia.2024; 99: 111631. CrossRef - A Modified Technique for Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy
Zahra Ghotbi, Mehrdad Estakhr, Mehdi Nikandish, Reza Nikandish
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine.2023; 38(9): 878. CrossRef
- Pulmonary
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Predictive value of the negative inspiratory force index as a predictor of weaning success: a crosssectional study
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Phuong Hoang Vu, Viet Duc Tran, Minh Cuong Duong, Quyet Thang Cong, Thu Nguyen
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Acute Crit Care. 2020;35(4):279-285. Published online November 30, 2020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2020.00598
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9,021
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Abstract
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- Background
Identifying when intubated patients are ready to be extubated remains challenging. The negative inspiratory force (NIF) is a recommended predictor of weaning success. However, little is known about the role of NIF in the weaning process for the Asian surgical intensive population, especially for the Vietnamese population. Here, we aimed to investigate the cutoff threshold and predictive value of the NIF index for predicting the success of ventilator weaning in Vietnamese surgical intensive care patients.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of Viet Duc Hospital from October 2016 to August 2017. A total of 64 patients aged 16–70 years undergoing ventilatory support through an orotracheal tube satisfied the criteria for readiness to begin weaning. The correlation between the NIF index with outcomes of the weaning process was analyzed. Specificity (Sp), sensitivity (Se), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.
Results
The success rate of the entire weaning process was 67.2% (43/64). The median NIF values were –26.0 cm H2O (interquartile range [IQR], –28.0 to –25.0) in the successful weaning group and –24.0 cm H2O (IQR, –25.0 to –23.0) in the weaning failure group (P<0.001). According to ROC analysis, an NIF value ≤–25 cm H2O predicted weaning success (AUC, 0.836) with 91% Se, 62% Sp, 83% PPV, and 77% NPV.
Conclusions
An NIF cutoff threshold ≤–25 cm H2O can be used as predictor of weaning success in Vietnamese surgical intensive care patients.
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Citations
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- Structural, morphological and functional changes of diaphragm in patients with chronic heart failure
V.S. Shabaev, I.A. Makarov, L.B. Mitrofanova, L.G. Vasilyeva, L.Z. Biktasheva, V.A. Mazurok, I.A. Danilova, N.A. Osipova
Russian Journal of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology.2024; (5): 88. CrossRef - Diaphragm dysfunction as a prognostic criterion of external respiratory impairment and necessary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with chronic heart failure
V.S. Shabaev, V.A. Mazurok, L.Z. Biktasheva, L.G. Vasilyeva, K.Yu. Kozhieva, I.A. Danilova, N.A. Osipova
Russian Journal of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology.2024; (6): 38. CrossRef - Pendelluft as a predictor of weaning in critically ill patients: An observational cohort study
Danqiong Wang, Yaxin Ning, Linya He, Keqi Pan, Xiaohua Xiong, Shanshan Jing, Jianhua Hu, Jian Luo, Dehua Ye, Zubing Mei, Weiwen Zhang
Frontiers in Physiology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Morphological and Functional Alterations of Respiratory Muscle Performance and Spirometry Parameters in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
V. S. Shabaev, I. V. Orazmagomedova, V. A. Mazurok, A. V. Berezina, A. E. Bautin, L. G. Vasilyeva, D. A. Aleksandrova
General Reanimatology.2023; 19(5): 39. CrossRef - Diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure
V.S. Shabaev, I.V. Orazmagomedova, V.A. Mazurok, A.V. Berezina, A.E. Bautin, L.G. Vasilyeva, D.A. Aleksandrova
Anesteziologiya i reanimatologiya.2023; (5): 44. CrossRef - Biosignal-Based Digital Biomarkers for Prediction of Ventilator Weaning Success
Ji Eun Park, Tae Young Kim, Yun Jung Jung, Changho Han, Chan Min Park, Joo Hun Park, Kwang Joo Park, Dukyong Yoon, Wou Young Chung
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(17): 9229. CrossRef
- Pulmonary
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Clinical outcomes of difficult-to-wean patients with ventilator dependency at intensive care unit discharge
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Jung Mo Lee, Sun-Min Lee, Joo Han Song, Young Sam Kim
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Acute Crit Care. 2020;35(3):156-163. Published online August 19, 2020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2020.00199
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6,089
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background
Ventilator-dependent patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who are difficult to wean from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) have been increasing in number. However, data on the clinical outcomes of difficult-to-wean patients are lacking. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients discharged from the ICU with tracheostomy and ventilator dependency.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated clinical course and survival in patients requiring home mechanical ventilation (HMV) with a tracheostomy and difficulty weaning from IMV during medical ICU admission from September 2013 through August 2016 at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Results
Of 84 difficult-to-wean patients who were started on HMV in the medical ICU, 72 survived, were discharged from the ICU, and were included in this analysis. HMV was initiated after a median of 23 days of IMV, and the successful weaning rate was 46% (n=33). In-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in the successfully weaned group than the unsuccessfully weaned group (0% vs. 23.1%, respectively; P=0.010). Weaning rates were similar according to primary diagnosis, but high body mass index (BMI), low Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at ICU admission, and absence of neuromuscular disease were associated with weaning success. After a median follow-up of 4.6 months (range, 1–27 months) for survivors, 3-month (n=64) and 6-month (n=59) survival rates were 82.5% and 72.2%, respectively. Survival rates were higher in the successfully weaned group than the unsuccessfully weaned group at 3 months (96.4% vs. 69.0%; P=0.017) and 6 months (84.0% vs. 62.1%; P=0.136) following ICU discharge.
Conclusions
In summary, 46% of patients who started HMV were successfully weaned from the ventilator in general wards. High BMI, low APACHE II score, and absence of neuromuscular disease were factors associated with weaning success.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Comparison of Application of Home-use Mechanical Ventilator and Facility-use Mechanical Ventilator for Early Discharge of Patient from Intensive Care Units
Sun Young Won, Young Hee Yi
Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing.2025; 18(1): 13. CrossRef - Long-Term Mortality in Critically Ill Tracheostomized Patients Based on Home Mechanical Ventilation at Discharge
Won-Young Kim, Moon Seong Baek
Journal of Personalized Medicine.2021; 11(12): 1257. CrossRef - Year 2020 in review - Post‑acute intensive care
J Djakow
Anesteziologie a intenzivní medicína.2020; 31(6): 305. CrossRef
- Pulmonary
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Clinical Application of Modified Burns Wean Assessment Program Scores at First Spontaneous Breathing Trial in Weaning Patients from Mechanical Ventilation
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Eun Suk Jeong, Kwangha Lee
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Acute Crit Care. 2018;33(4):260-268. Published online November 30, 2018
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2018.00276
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9,649
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Abstract
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- Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of modified Burns Wean Assessment Program (m-BWAP) scoring at first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) as a predictor of successful liberation from mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with endotracheal intubation.
Methods
Patients requiring MV for more than 72 hours and undergoing more than one SBT in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) were prospectively enrolled over a 3-year period. The m-BWAP score at first SBT was obtained by a critical care nursing practitioner.
Results
A total of 103 subjects were included in this study. Their median age was 69 years (range, 22 to 87 years) and 72 subjects (69.9%) were male. The median duration from admission to first SBT was 5 days (range, 3 to 26 days), and the rate of final successful liberation from MV was 84.5% (n=87). In the total group of patients, the successful liberation from MV group at first SBT (n=65) had significantly higher m-BWAP scores than did the unsuccessful group (median, 60; range, 43 to 80 vs. median, 53; range, 33 to 70; P<0.001). Also, the area under the m-BWAP curve for predicting successful liberation of MV was 0.748 (95% confidence interval, 0.650 to 0.847), while the cutoff value based on Youden’s index was 53 (sensitivity, 76%; specificity, 64%).
Conclusions
The present data show that the m-BWAP score represents a good predictor of weaning success in patients with an endotracheal tube in place at first SBT.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Impact of tracheostomy on clinical outcomes in ventilated patients with severe pneumonia: a propensity-matched cohort study
Hayoung Seong, Hyojin Jang, Wanho Yoo, Saerom Kim, Soo Han Kim, Kwangha Lee
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2025; 40(2): 286. CrossRef - Clinical prediction scores predicting weaning failure from invasive mechanical ventilation: Role and limitations
Anish Gupta, Omender Singh, Deven Juneja
World Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - What do we know about experiencing end-of-life in burn intensive care units? A scoping review
André Filipe Ribeiro, Sandra Martins Pereira, Rui Nunes, Pablo Hernández-Marrero
Palliative and Supportive Care.2023; 21(4): 741. CrossRef - Effect of a Japanese Version of the Burns Wean Assessment Program e-Learning Materials on Ventilator Withdrawal for Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Rika KIMURA, Naoko HAYASHI, Akemi UTSUNOMIYA
Journal of Nursing Research.2023; 31(4): e287. CrossRef - The Effect of Nursing Interventions Based on Burns Wean Assessment Program on Successful Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
Maryam Sepahyar, Shahram Molavynejad, Mohammad Adineh, Mohsen Savaie, Elham Maraghi
Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research.2021; 26(1): 34. CrossRef - Value of modified Burns Wean Assessment Program scores in the respiratory intensive care unit: An Egyptian study
Nermeen A. Abdelaleem, Sherif A.A. Mohamed, Azza S. Abd ElHafeez, Hassan A. Bayoumi
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.2020;[Epub] CrossRef - Protecting Postextubation Respiratory Failure and Reintubation by High-Flow Nasal Cannula Compared to Low-Flow Oxygen System: Single Center Retrospective Study and Literature Review
Minhyeok Lee, Ji Hye Kim, In Beom Jeong, Ji Woong Son, Moon Jun Na, Sun Jung Kwon
Acute and Critical Care.2019; 34(1): 60. CrossRef
- Pulmonary/Cardiology
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Perioperative Risk Factors associated with Immediate Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Lung Transplants
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Ha Yeon Kim, Sungwon Na, Hyo Chae Paik, Jonglin Ha, Jeongmin Kim
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(4):286-294. Published online November 30, 2015
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.4.286
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Abstract
PDF
- Background
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is administered for a few days after lung transplantation (LTx) in recipients who are expected to have early graft dysfunction. Despite its life-saving potential, immediate postoperative ECMO has life-threatening complications such as postoperative bleeding. We investigated the risk factors related to the use of immediate postoperative ECMO.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 60 LTx patients who were at our institution from October 2012 to May 2015. Perioperative variables associated with postoperative ECMO were compared between the two groups.
Results
There were 26 patients who received postoperative ECMO (ECMO group) and 34 patients who did not (control group). Multivariate regression analysis revealed preoperative ECMO (odds ratio [OR] 12.55, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.34 – 117.24, p = 0.027) and lower peripheral pulse oxymetry saturation (SpO2) at the end of surgery (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54 – 0.95, p = 0.019) were independent risk factors for postoperative ECMO in LTx patients. The incidences of complications, such as re-operation, tracheostomy, renal failure and postoperative atrial fibrillation, were higher in the ECMO group. There was no difference in the duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay or postoperative 30-day mortality between the two groups.
Conclusions
The preoperative ECMO and lower SpO2 at the end of surgery were associated with postoperative ECMO. Further, postoperative adverse events were higher in the ECMO group compared with the control group. This study suggests that determination of postoperative ECMO requires careful consideration because of the risks of postoperative ECMO in LTx patients.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- The Future of Research on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Ji Young Lee
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2016; 31(2): 73. CrossRef
Randomized Controlled Trial
- Pharmacology/Pulmonary
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Comparison of Morphine and Remifentanil on the Duration of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
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Jae Myeong Lee, Seong Heon Lee, Sang Hyun Kwak, Hyeon Hui Kang, Sang Haak Lee, Jae Min Lim, Mi Ae Jeong, Young Joo Lee, Chae Man Lim
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(4):281-287. Published online November 30, 2014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.4.281
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Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2016;31(4):381
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Abstract
PDF
- BACKGROUND
A randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel group study was performed to compare the effects of remifentanil and morphine as analgesic drugs on the duration of weaning time from mechanical ventilation (MV).
METHODS
A total of 96 patients with MV in 6 medical and surgical intensive care units were randomly assigned to either, remifentanil (0.1-0.2 mcg/kg/min, n = 49) or morphine (0.8-35 mg/hr, n = 47) from the weaning start. The weaning time was defined as the total ventilation time minus the sum of controlled mode duration.
RESULTS
Compared with the morphine group, the remifentanil-based analgesic group showed a tendency of shorter weaning time (mean 143.9 hr, 89.7 hr, respectively: p = 0.069). Secondary outcomes such as total ventilation time, successful weaning rate at the 7th of MV day was similar in both groups. There was also no difference in the mortality rate at the 7th and 28th hospital day.
Kaplan-Meyer curve for weaning was not different between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Remifentanil usage during the weaning phase tended to decrease weaning time compared with morphine usage.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- ICU patients receiving remifentanil do not experience reduced duration of mechanical ventilation: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analyses based on Bayesian theories
Fangjie Lu, Sirun Qin, Chang Liu, Xunxun Chen, Zhaoqiu Dai, Cong Li
Frontiers in Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Comparison between remifentanil and other opioids in adult critically ill patients
Shuguang Yang, Huiying Zhao, Huixia Wang, Hua Zhang, Youzhong An
Medicine.2021; 100(38): e27275. CrossRef
Original Articles
- Pulmonary
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Predicting Delayed Ventilator Weaning after Lung Transplantation: The Role of Body Mass Index
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Sarah Soh, Jin Ha Park, Jeong Min Kim, Min Jung Lee, Shin Ok Koh, Hyo Chae Paik, Moo Suk Park, Sungwon Na
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(4):273-280. Published online November 30, 2014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.4.273
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Abstract
PDF
- BACKGROUND
Weaning from mechanical ventilation is difficult in the intensive care unit (ICU). Many controversial questions remain unanswered concerning the predictors of weaning failure. This study investigates patient characteristics and delayed weaning after lung transplantation.
METHODS
This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 17 lung transplantation patients from October 2012 to December 2013. Patients able to be weaned from mechanical ventilation within 8 days after surgery were assigned to an early group (n = 9), and the rest of the patients were assigned to the delayed group (n=8). Patients' intraoperative and postoperative characteristics were collected and analyzed, and conventional weaning predictors, including rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), were also assessed.
RESULTS
The results of the early group showed a significantly shorter ICU stay in addition to a shorter hospitalization overall. Notably, the early group had a higher body mass index (BMI) than the delayed group (20.7 vs. 16.9, p = 0.004). In addition, reopening occurred more frequently in the delayed group (1/9 vs. 5/8, p = 0.05).
During spontaneous breathing trials, tidal volume (TV) and arterial oxygen tension were significantly higher in the early group compared to the delayed weaning group, but differences in RSBI and respiratory rate (RR) between groups were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Low BMI might be associated with delayed ventilator weaning in lung transplantation patients. In addition, instead of the traditional weaning predictors of RSBI and RR, TV might be a better predictor for ventilator weaning after lung transplantation.
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Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage during Mechanical Ventilation
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Go Woon Kim, Jin Won Huh, Younsuck Koh, Chae Man Lim, Sang Bum Hong
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2012;27(2):94-101.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.2.94
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Abstract
PDF
- BACKGROUND
Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious disease associated with high mortality and morbidity, and develops suddenly without warning. Although there were known risk factors, it is difficult to prevent brain hemorrhage from critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
There are several reports that brain hemorrhage, in critically ill patients, occurred in connection with respiratory diseases. The aim of our study is to describe the baseline characteristics and prognosis of patients with intracranial hemorrhage during mechanical ventilation in the ICU.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients, who developed intracranial hemorrhage in a medical ICU, from May 2008 to December 2011. During the mechanical ventilation in the ICU, patients were implemented with a weaning process, following ACCP (American College of Chest Physicians) criteria. Also, we compared patients with brain hemorrhage to those without brain hemorrhage.
RESULTS
Thirty two of the 56 patients (57.1%) were male, and median ages were 63 (17-90) years. The common type of brain hemorrhage confirmed was intracerebral hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage (52.2%). The duration from mechanical ventilation to brain hemorrhage was 6 (0-58) days. Overall hospital mortality was 57.1%, and ICU mortality was 44.6%. The most common cause of death was brain hemorrhage (40.6%). In comparison to patients without brain hemorrhage, study patients showed less use of anticoagulants and lower ventilator pressure. Our study showed that the use of vasopressor, systolic blood pressure, peak airway pressure, and platelet count were associated with brain hemorrhage.
CONCLUSIONS
Intracranial hemorrhage showed high mortality in critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation. In the future, large case-control study will be needed to evaluate the risk factors of cerebral hemorrhage.
Case Report
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The Benefit of Braille for Successful Weaning off Mechanical Ventilation in Congenital Blindness and Hearing Impairment: A Case Report
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So Young Yang, Yong Seon Choi, Jin Ha Park, Shin Ok Koh
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2011;26(1):45-48.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.1.45
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Abstract
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- To achieve adequate depth of sedation and assess the severity of pain in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit, appropriate communication with the patients is necessary. Communication is also important for successful weaning from the mechanical ventilator as well as weaning predictors, such as respiratory muscle capacity.
Here, we present a case report of a 39-year-old man with congenial blindness and hearing impairment who successfully weaned off ventilator support using Braille to communicate under an optimal level of sedation and analgesia after septic shock management.
Randomized Controlled Trial
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Alteration of Lung Mechanics Depending on Expiratory Sensitivity (ESENS) during Pressure Support Ventilation
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Kwang Won Seo, Gyu Rak Chon, Jong Joon Ahn, Yangjin Jega, Sang Bum Hong, Chae Man Lim, Younsuck Koh
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2006;21(1):8-16.
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Abstract
PDF
- BACKGROUND
To evaluate effects of 5 expiratory sensitivity (ESENS) levels (5%; 15%; 25%; 35%; 45%) on lung mechanics and the effects depending on the two P(0.1) levels (<3 cm H2O; > or =3 cm H2O).
METHODS
Prospective, randomized, physiologic study for intubated adult patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomly submitted to the 5 settings of ESENS in the Galileo ventilator (Galileo Gold, Hamilton Medical AG, Switzerland). Physiologic variables were continuously measured using a Bicore CP-100 pulmonary mechanics monitor (CP-100, Bicore, USA).
RESULTS
Thirteen patients, ten men and three women, with a mean age of 65.2+/-16.1 yr were studied. Tidal volume (V(T)) decreased significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%. With increasing levels of ESENS, respiratory rates (RR) steadily increased from ESENS 5% to 35% and 45%. Shallow breath index (F/V(T)) increased significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%.
Inspiratory time (T(I)) decreased gradually significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%. RR and F/V(T) increased from ESENS 5% to 15% and 45% and V(T) decreased gradually in patients with P(0.1)<3 cm H2O group, but not in patients with P(0.1)> or =3 cm H2O.
CONCLUSIONS
The proper adjustment of expiratory sensitivity (ESENS) levels improved patient-ventilator synchrony and decreased respiratory rates and shallow breath index, especially in P(0.1)<3 cm H2O during PSV in ventilator weaning patients. Lower ESENS level would be more appropriate in terms of lung mechanics in patients with less than 3 cm H2O of P(0.1).
Review Article
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Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Tae Hun An
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2003;18(2):67-73.
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Abstract
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- Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require mechanical ventilation following cardiac or general surgery, in connection with thoracic surgery such as lobectomy, wedge resection, lung reduction or bullectomy, during an episode of acute respiratory failure (ARF) secondary to a disease other than COPD such as sepsis, drug overdose, or trauma or for acute-on-chronic respiratory failure (the COPD exacerbation) where acute illness, usually presumed to be infectious in nature, destabilizes the characteristically compensated state. Ventilatory intervention is often life-saving when patients with asthma or COPD experience acute respiratory compromise. Although both noninvasive and invasive ventilation methods may be viable initial choice, which is better depends upon the severity of illness, the rapidity of response, coexisting disease, and capacity of the medical environment. In addition, noninvasive ventilation often relieves dyspnea and hypoxemia in patients with stable severe COPD. This review will only briefly cover noninvasive ventilation and focus primarily on the management of the intubated, mechanically ventilated patient with COPD, with particular emphasis on factors unique to this patient population such as the propensity for dynamic hyperinflation and auto-PEEP, barotrauma, difficult weaning and the prognosis following mechanical ventilation.
Original Article
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Successful Weaning after Diaphragmatic Plication in an Infant with Phrenic Nerve Palsy Resulting from Removal of Cavernous Lymphangioma
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Jang Ho Roh, Dong Woo Han, Shin Ok Koh, Yong Taek Nam
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Korean J Crit Care Med. 2001;16(2):156-159.
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Abstract
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- Phrenic nerve palsy is a well-known complication following cardiac surgery in children. The incidence is approximately 1~2%. In infants and young children, it often causes a life-threatening respiratory distress. They must be treated with mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Many patients with phrenic nerve injury who is impossible to wean from a ventilator are candidates of diaphragmatic plication.
Diaphragmatic plication is performed to restore the normal pulmonary parenchymal volume by replacing the diaphragm to its proper location. This is a case of 2-months-old infant who had phrenic nerve palsy after the removal of cavernous lymphangioma of the chest. He underwent 4 operations to remove the mass and to have pericardiotomy. We tried to wean him from the ventilator but failed several times in the ICU.
After 4th operation, right diaphragmatic elevation was noted from the chest X ray. Phrenic nerve palsy was confirmed with fluoroscopy and he underwent diaphragmatic plication on 42 days after his 4th operation. Three days after the diaphragmatic plication, weaning was successfully carried out.