• Mohamad F El-Khatib, Salah M Zeineldine, and Ghassan W Jamaleddine.
• Department of Anesthesiology, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, P.O. Box 11-0236, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon.
• Intensive Care Med. 2008 Mar 1;34(3):505-10.

ObjectiveWe compared rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) values under various ventilatory support settings prior to extubation.Design And SettingProspective study in the intensive care unit at a university hospital.PatientsThirty six patients ready for extubation.InterventionsPatients were enrolled when receiving pressure support ventilation (PSV) of 5 cmH2O, PEEP of 5 cmH2O, and FIO2 of 40% (PS). Subsequently each patient received a trial of PSV of 0 cmH2O, PEEP of 5 cmH2O, and FIO2 of 40% (CPAP), a trial of PSV of 0 cmH2O, PEEP of 5 cmH2O and FIO2 of 21% (CPAP-R/A), and a 1-minute spontaneously breathing room air trial off the ventilator (T-piece). Trials were carried out in random order.Measurements And ResultsRespiratory frequency (f) and tidal volume (VT) were measured during PS, CPAP, CPAP-R/A, and T-piece in all patients. RSBI (f/VT) was determined for each patient under all experimental conditions, and the average RSBI was compared during PS, CPAP, CPAP-R/A, and T-piece. RSBI was significantly smaller during PS (46+/-8 bpm/l), CPAP (63+/-13 bpm/l) and CPAP-R/A (67+/-14 bpm/l) vs. T-piece (100+/-23 bpm/l). There was no significant difference in RSBI between CPAP and CPAP-R/A. RSBI during CPAP and CPAP-R/A were significantly smaller than RSBI during T-piece. In all patients RSBI values were less than 105 bpm/l during PS, CPAP, and CPAP-R/A. However, during T-piece the RSBI increased to greater than 105bpm/l in 13 of 36 patients.ConclusionsIn the same patient the use of PSV and/or PEEP as low as 5 cmH2O can influence the RSBI. In contrast, changes in FIO2 may have no effect on the RSBI.

20 keywords...

hide…