Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · Jan 2015
Decreasing mechanical ventilator support in medically fragile children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A step-by-step weaning protocol at a pediatric long term extended care facility.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in medically fragile children is commonly used in pediatric long term extended care facilities (P-LTEC). Currently, PMV weaning is performed in an unstandardized fashion. Without an official protocol, patients are subjected to delayed weaning, infection, increased mortality, and difficulty obtaining placement at adult group homes. A step-wise approach may help these children wean from PMV effectively. ⋯ Using the data obtained in this case series an official protocol could be created to wean P-LTEC residents from PMV, with reasonable expectations of the process.