Abstract
Aim: To identify risk factors associated with the failure of extubation of mechanically ventilated very-low-birth-weight newborns.
Study design: Prospective observational study. Assessment of the occurrence of extubation failure in relation to demographic and ventilation parameters, the SpO2/FiO2 ratio, the spontaneous breathing test (SBT) and values of the Silverman–Andersen score (SAS). Extubation failure was defined as the need for reintubation for any reason within 72 h after extubation.
Results: Extubation failed in 14/50 (28%) patients. Tidal volume applied at the moment of extubation (p = 0.030), the values of the SpO2/FiO2 ratio (p = 0.006), SBT (p = 0.034) and SAS measured for 60 min after extubation and later (p = 0.010, p = 0.000001, p∼0.000, respectively) showed a significant association with reintubation.
Conclusions: Measured TV, SpO2/FiO2 ratio, SBT at the moment of extubation and values of SAS starting 1 h after extubation might be valuable parameters in identifying those VLBW newborns in the risk to fail extubation.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.