Variability of respiratory parameters and extubation readiness in ventilated neonates

Abstract

Background: A spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) has been used to guide suitability of extubation in VLBW infants. Respiratory variability (RV) has been used to assess extubation readiness in adults but was never investigated in preterms. The combination of a SBT and RV may further improve prediction of successful extubation. Study design: Using data previously collected during the SBT, the following respiratory variables were analysed: inspiratory time (T I), expiratory time (TE), TI/ total breath time, tidal volume (VT) and mean inspiratory flow (V T/TI). RV was quantified using time-domain analysis for each respiratory variable and expressed as a variability index (VI). The sensitivity, sp..