Diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound application as new predictive indices for the weaning process in ICU patients

Objective: To assess whether the diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound (US) can be used as additive new parameters for the weaning process in intensive care units (ICU) patients in comparison to the traditional weaning parameters. Patients and methods: 68 patients were included in our study. All patients admitted inside different ICU units-Ain Shams University for different causes mainly post major surgeries. All patients met the traditional criteria for weaning, had diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound after extubation. We measured the diaphragmatic excursion (E), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) as well as the degree of lung aeration. All US results were collected and compared with some of usual weaning parameters namely the arterial blood gases as well as respiratory mechanics. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: 50 patients showed successful weaning process. Diaphragmatic E and TF showed high sensitivity and specificity in correlation with the other parameters. The cut off value was 10 mm for the E and 28% for the DTF and 12 for the lung US. A score was put to predict the outcome of weaning process. Conclusion: For the patients undergoing weaning process, diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound can be used as additive new parameters for prediction of weaning process outcome