Research Article: Feasibility of Endotracheal Extubation Evaluation Form in Predicting Successful Extubation in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Study
Abstract:
Given the limited availability of evidence-based methods for assessing the timing of extubation in intubated preterm infants, we aimed to standardize the extubation protocol in this single-center, retrospective study. To accomplish this, we established an extubation evaluation form to assess the suitability of extubation in preterm infants. The form comprises six indicators: improved clinical condition, spontaneous breath rate ? 30 breaths per minute, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) ? 15 cmH2O, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ? 30%, blood pH ? 7.2, and mixed venous carbon dioxide tension (PvCO2) < 70 mmHg. Each positive answer is given one point, indicating a maximum of six points. We enrolled 41 intubated preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g) who were receiving mechanical ventilation support for over 24 h. Among them, 35 were successfully extubated, and 6 were not. After completing the extubation evaluation form and adjusting for birth weight and postextubation device, we observed that the total score of the form was significantly associated with successful extubation; the higher the score, the greater the chance of successful extubation. Thus, we infer that the extubation evaluation form may provide a more objective standard for extubation assessment in preterm infants.
Introduction:
Preterm infants often require intubation with mechanical ventilation support during respiratory failure treatment [1]. However, for intubated preterm infants, no consensus has been reached as to the most suitable methods for weaning mechanical ventilation. The methods for assessing suitability of extubation in preterm infants remain primarily subjective and depend on the clinical procedures provided by the institution or the personal training and experience of the attending physicians. In addition, clinicians…
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