Routine use of weaning predictors: not so fast
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Critical Care 2009, 13:197 doi:10.1186/cc8121
See related research by Nemer et al., http://ccforum.com/content/13/5/R152
Published: 21 October 2009Abstract
Weaning from mechanical ventilation remains a major challenge for critical care physicians. Because subjective criteria are inaccurate, objective measurements consisting of clinical criteria and physiologic tests (weaning predictors) have been used to facilitate decision-making. An integrated weaning index calculated as the product of static compliance and arterial oxygen saturation divided by the frequency-tidal volume ratio appears to be more accurate than other currently available predictors. Despite the accuracy of this new test, a beneficial effect on outcome is yet to be proven.
