Work of breathing measurement in the critically ill patient

Abstract

Weaning patients form mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit can be difficult. In patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support it has been demonstrated that conventional weaning criteria are frequently incorrect. In this group measurement of respiratory work may be of benefit. Until recently, estimation of the work of breathing in patients receiving mechanical ventilation was logistically difficult. The availability of a computerized bedside monitoring device potentially allows easier estimation of the work of breathing at the bedside. The results of preliminary studies utilizing such monitoring are provocative: they highlight the phenomenon of nosocomial respiratory failure a..