With and without protocols on weaning and extubation in ICU

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of protocols-directed weaning and extubation on adult patients in ICU. Methods: The research was divided into two phases. The first is no-protocols-driven part（n=18）, carried out in four months; the second is protocols-driven part（n=28）, carried out in six months. With the protocols, the patients received a test, followed by a spontaneous breathing trial（SBT）. An SBT conducted in PSV with 7cm H₂O with the target duration of 30 to 120min. The patients were extubated, when passed the trial with the following, respiratory rate＜35; PaO₂≥9.3kPa; rapid shallow breathing index≤105.Results: The groups were similar in age （P=0.33）, in mechanical ventilation duration（P=0.75）. Extubation duration were significantly different for protocol （37.32min, 30～120min） and no protocol（201.11min, 20～540min）. The reintubation rate were 7% in protocol group and 10% in no-protocol group. Conclusions: Use of protocol-directed weaning and extubation, the extubation dura