FEASIBILITY OF EARLY EXTUBATION IN RDS, WITH APPLICATION OF NASAL VENTILATION, AS PREDICTED BY END-EXPIRATORY RESISTANCE: 2113

Extubation of 85 infants recovering from RDS on patient-triggered ventilation (Sechrist SAVI) was attempted once the infants were weaned to FiO₂ < 0.30, PIP < 12 cmH₂O, Lung mechanics by standardized procedure (Novametrix Ventrak) was done prior to extubation. Infants were then supported by nasal CPAP or, if pH < 7.25 or pCO₂> 55 torr or apnea, by applying patient-triggered nasal ventilation(Sechrist SAVI) via nose prongs or nasal cannula. RESULTS: (Seegraph) CONCLUSION: Early extubation and weaning to nasal ventilation may be achieved with a sensitivity of 87 percent and specificity of 71 percent when expiratory resistance is ≤ 225 cmH₂O / L / sec.

Figure 1