Cukurova Medical Journal (Jun 2022)
The power of diaphragm ultrasonography in predicting weaning success
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study; to evaluate the effects of diaphragm thickness on weaning with ultrasonography (USG). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study; demographic characteristics of the patients, indications for hospitalization in the intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation, comorbidity, diaphragm thickness, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, mortality rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), invasive mechanical ventilator (IMV) duration, minute volume, respiratory rate (RR), expiratory volumes (VTE), RSBI values were recorded. The patients were ventilated spontaneously for 30 minutes in pressure support (PS) mode in IMV. Diaphragm thickness (DT) was measured using a 7-10 MHz linear ultrasound probe set to B mode. The right hemidiaphragm was visualized in the midaxillary line between the 8th and 10th intercostal spaces, at the junction of the diaphragm and rib cage. After the measurements were stabilized, the patients were taken to the T-tube for one hour. The patients who successfully completed T-tube spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) were extubated. The patients were divided into two groups as successful and unsuccessful weaning. Results: A total of 72 patients were evaluated by meeting the inclusion criteria. Four of the patients were excluded from the study because they received IMV support for less than 24 hours. There was no difference between the groups in the ratios of diaphragm thickness index (DTI) and diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF). The thickness measurements of the diaphragm, defined as diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (DTV) and diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration (DFRV), were higher in the successful weaning group. The best threshold value of DTV to predict weaning success was found to be 0.72 and DFRV value to be 0.669. Conclusion: Weaning success is closely related to diaphragm functions, diaphragm thickness parameters and lung capacities. USG is a practical, bedside, noninvasive method that can be used to evaluate the diaphragm. DTV and DFRV are among the parameters that can predict success in the weaning process. DTF and DTI were found to be insufficient in predicting weaning success.
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