Partial neuromuscular blockage to promote weaning from mechanical ventilation in severe ARDS: A case report

Abstract

Spontaneous breathing efforts during mechanical ventilation can lead to patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI). In order to prevent P-SILI, patients are generally heavily sedated and receive muscle relaxation, resulting in a slower weaning process. We present a case in which we applied partial neuromuscular blockage in order to prevent P-SILI while allowing spontaneous breathing but with limited efforts during assist mechanical ventilation. Keywords: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Neuromuscular blocking agents, Patient self-inflicted lung injury, Partial neuromuscular blockage