Weaning Success in Different Weaning Strategies in Early Neurological Rehabilitation Patients - a Matched-pair Analysis

"Each day, a respiratory therapist evaluated whether a spontaneous breathing trial could be performed. Patients of the discontinuous weaning group were disconnected from the respirator during the spontaneous breathing phases which could then take place via heat moist exchanger, high-flow therapy and/or speaking valve without pressure support by the respirator (spontaneous breathing trial with heat moist exchanger).~Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and mental condition of the patient (i. e. stress, fear) were monitored carefully for five to ten minutes and the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index was calculated. If the patient could keep the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index stable under 105/min/l (without a significant increase) over five minutes, the spontaneous breathing trial was regarded as successful and the weaning could be started. The duration of spontaneous breathing trial was extended according to the individual situation of the patient."

"Each day, a respiratory therapist evaluated whether a spontaneous breathing trial could be performed. In the case of continuous weaning, spontaneous breathing trial was supported by the respirator, but the positive endexpiratory pressure was lowered to an individual level (between 5 and 10 mbar) resulting in very little pressure support (spontaneous breathing trial trial under continuous positive airway pressure condition).~Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and mental condition of the patient (i. e. stress, fear) were monitored carefully for five to ten minutes and the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index was calculated. If the patient could keep the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index stable under 105/min/l (without a significant increase) over five minutes, the spontaneous breathing trial was regarded as successful and the weaning could be started. The duration of spontaneous breathing trial was extended according to the individual situation of the patient."