Lung and Diaphragm Ultrasound as a Predictor of Successful Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation: AProspective Observational Study of 100 ICU Patients

Abstract

Background: Prediction of successful weaning is difficult in critically ill patients. We should take optimal time for
extubation in intensive care unit for better outcome of the patients. Decision of weaning is taken on the basis of clinical
improvement of patient.
Aims:Aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of lung and diaphragm ultrasound for predicting successful weaning
outcome.
Material&Methods:We conducted prospective observational study in 100 patients who were consecutively admitted
in intensive care unit of our hospital and who required support of mechanical ventilation. We did ultrasound of the
patients and calculated modified Lung Ultrasound Score (m-LUS) and Diaphragm Thickness Index (DTI) and
Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE). Data analysis was done in Microsoft excel.
Results:Out of 100 patients, 76 patients showed successful weaning. Diaphragm excursion, Diaphragm Thickness
index and modified Lung Ultrasound Score showed high specificity in correlation with other parameters of weaning
criteria. The cut-off value was 20.7mm for diaphragmatic excursion, 51.32 % for diaphragmatic thickness index and
8.14 for modified lung ultrasound score.
Conclusion:Lung and diaphragm ultrasound can be used as a new parameter for prediction ofweaning process
outcome.