ELECTRICAL CARDIOMETRY VERSUS RAPID SHALLOW BREATHING INDEX AS PREDICTORS OF WEANING FROM MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Abstract

Introduction:Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a critical ICU decision. Early weaning prevents complications, but premature extubation increases failure risk. The process starts with screening for readiness to wean and a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), ensuring adequate oxygenation, ventilation, and airway reflexes. Despite meeting weaning criteria, nearly 0ne third of patients fail due to the heterogeneity of critically ill patients. Since 2009, cardiac factors like pulmonary edema and hypervolemia have been recognized as contributors to weaning failure. Thoracic fluid content (TFC), measured via impedence cardiography, reflects total thoracic levels. While many weaning indices exist, none are ideal. Before 1991, clinicians relied on predictors like vital capacity and minute ventilation. Yang and Tobin introduced the Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), defined as respiratory rate (RR) to tidal volume (VT) ratio. RSBI > 105 breaths/min/L predicts failure, while RSBI