Cuff Leak Test and Airway Obstruction in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

Clinicians perform the cuff leak test (CLT) to help optimize extubation. The test requires deflation of the cuff at the end of the endotracheal tube (ETT) and auscultation for air passing around the ETT. If air movement is not audible on auscultation (a failed CLT) there is a potential presence of laryngeal edema (LE) that may cause post-extubation airway obstruction.

Dexamethasone, will be administered to those patients who fail the CLT in the intervention arm (4mg intravenous every 6 hours for 12-24 hours). Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids