Extubation failure was defined as need for reintubation, performance of a tracheostomy during the same admission or death while intubated (the last item seems a bit odd).
Risk factors associated with extubation failure:
(1) male gender
(2) atelectasis
(3) history of previous myasthenic crisis
(4) intubation for > 10 days
Reintubation was performed for either upper airway obstruction or respiratory fatigue.
Risk factors associated with the need for reintubation:
(1) atelectasis
(2) arterial pH < 7.4 (see Table 2, page 931)
(3) lower forced vital capacity (FVC) at the time of extubation
(4) use of BiPAP (bilevel intermittent positive airway pressure) after exturbation
where:
• The cutoff for FVC in the study group was not given. Mayer et al used an FVC > 10 mL per kg body weight as an indicator for improved muscle strength. Varelas et al used an FVC >= 15 mL per kg.
