Predicting successful extubation of very low birthweignt infants

Abstract

Objective: To determine the accuracy of three tests used to predict successful extubation of preterm infants. Study design: Mechanically ventilated infants with birth weight < 1250 g and considered ready for extubation were changed to endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure (ET CPAP) for three minutes. Tidal volumes, minute ventilation (VE), heart rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded before and during ET CPAP. Three tests of extubation success were evaluated: (a) expired VE during ET CPAP; (b) ratio of VE during ET CPAP to VE during mechanical ventilation (VE ratio); (c) the spontaneous breathing test (SBT)-the infant passed this test if there was no hypoxia or bradycardia duri..