2021 Volume 28 Issue 6 Pages 521-526
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with reintubation for respiratory function test immediately before extubation. Methods: We enrolled postoperative patients admitted to the ICU on mechanical venti lator between June 2016 and July 2018. These patients could undertake respiratory function test immediately before extubation and were categorized into two groups based on the status of intubation within 72 hr of extubation. The patients were 1:2 matched by APACHE II score, gender, and operative procedure. The patient characteristics and their respiratory functions were compared between the two groups. Results: Of the 324 patients, 9 were reintubated (2.8%). The difference in patient characteristics was not significant between the reintubation and non-reintubation (18 patients) groups, albeit the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was significantly lower in the reintubation group. Over half of the reasons for reintubation were difficulties in sputum production. Conclusion: A low MEP immediately before extubation tends to increase the frequency of reintubation requirement.
