Parasternal Intercostal Ultrasound vs RSBI for Weaning Prediction

Participants underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of the parasternal intercostal muscle using a high-frequency linear probe to measure thickness and the thickening fraction during respiration. In addition, the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index was calculated from ventilator-displayed values under standardized settings: pressure support equal to zero centimeters of water and positive end-expiratory pressure equal to zero centimeters of water. Both assessments were performed immediately prior to a spontaneous breathing trial to evaluate their predictive accuracy for successful weaning from mechanical ventilation.