Introduction:

Even with an adequate mechanical ventilation weaning (MVW) protocol, the procedure fails in 15 to 30 % of cases.

Objective:

To assess the association between independent risk factors (IRFs) and post-extubation failure in patients undergoing MVW in an intensive care unit.

Method:

Longitudinal, prospective, analytical cohort study in patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours and who were extubated. Pre-extubation reports of hemoglobin, albumin, phosphorus, waist-hip ratio and SOFA score were obtained. Extubation failure was defined as resumption of mechanical ventilation within 48 hours or less.

Results:

123 patients were extubated, out of whom 74 were males (60 %); average age was 50 ± 18 years. Extubation failure occurred in 37 (30 %). Hypoalbuminemia was associated as an independent risk factor in 29 (23.8 %, RR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.11-1.85) and hypophosphatemia was in 18 (14.6 %, RR = 2.98, 95 % CI = 1.66-5.35); two or more IRFs were observed in 22.7 % (RR = 1.51, 95 % CI = 1.14-2.00).

Conclusions:

Identifying independent risk factors prior to MVW can help reduce the risk of extubation failure and associated morbidity and mortality.