Mouth Occlusion Pressure as a Useful Indicator for Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

We studied the usefulness of the neuromuscular inspiratory drive (P_0.1) and P_0.1 normalized by ventilation (sP_0.1) as indicators for weaning from mechanical ventilation. The patients were classified into two groups on the basis of outcome : a successful group who could have weaning and an unsuccessful group who could not be free from mechanical ventilation. The unsuccessful group showed significantly greater P_0.1 (6.35±2.95 cmH₂O) than successful group (2.81±1.21 cmH₂O). The patients who failed in weaning also showed an increase in sP_0.1 which would mean an increase in respiratory impedance. These results suggest that P_0.1 and sP_0.1 might be useful to follow the time course during weaning from mechanical ventilation.