Factors associated with failed weaning from mechanical ventilation in adults on ventilatory support during 48 hours or more

Abstract

Introduction: Failed weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) has been reported in a proportion ranging from 10% to 20% of patients requiring ventilation support; this population has a longer duration of MV and risk of mortality. Objective: To evaluate factors associated with failed weaning from MV. Methodology: Descriptive study of a cohort of 139 patients, who participated in the clinical trial. Efficacy of respiratory muscle training (RMT) for weaning from MV in patients on MV during 48 hours or more. Clinical and sociodemographic exposure variables were measured. The outcome variable evaluated was failed weaning from MV. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and relative risks (RRs) were estimated using the Poisson regression. Single and multiple models were built. Results: The incidence of failed weaning was 24.09%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.83 to 31.33. Independent associated factors were the respiratory system as the main compromised system upon admission to the intensive care unit (RR: 3.89; 95% CI 1.33–11.37; P = 0.01) and the Apache score (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–0.98; P = 0.02). Modifiable factors such as pulmonary rehabilitation interventions, physical rehabilitation, RMT, and specific ventilatory strategies showed no association (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There are non-modifiable factors related to failed weaning from MV in adults. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with the respiratory system as the main system compromised have a higher risk of failed weaning; modifiable factors were not found to be associated with failed weaning in the population studied.