Ventilatory Settings and Monitoring Variables Associated With Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is essential in managing acute respiratory failure. Its duration is a crucial aspect since both, unnecessary prolongation and premature withdrawal have deleterious effects on patient outcomes in the ICU. The process of weaning refers to the set of procedures and evaluations carried out to discontinue MV. Regardless of the definition used, within the population undergoing weaning, there is a group of patients who successfully pass the daily screening but fail the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) or the separate attempt (SA). In Argentina, this figure is 39.5%, and 31.4% in patients with COVID-19. On the other hand, another group of patients successfully passes the SA, is extubated, but fails in post-extubation. This failure rate varies in the literature, ranging from approximately 10 to 20%. In our country, this figure is 16% in the general population and rises to 29.7% in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, this population is divided into those who cannot tolerate ventilation without an artificial airway due to upper airway patency issues (such as laryngeal edema), i.e., "airway failure," and those who experience acute respiratory failure. In 2023, the WEAN SAFE study reported novel findings regarding variables associated with weaning failure. In multivariable analysis, it was found that the MV settings and monitoring variables at the time of the first SBT - respiratory rate, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), dynamic airway pressure difference (peak pressure (Ppeak) minus PEEP) on the day of the SA - were associated with weaning failure. In this context, the investigators will conduct a retrospective cohort study, whose primary objective will be to assess which MV settings and monitoring variables are associated with weaning failure. \*\*Primary Objective\*\* To determine if there are any MV settings or monitoring variables that are associated with extubation failure. \*\*Secondary Objective\*\* To determine if there are any MV settings or monitoring variables that are associated with failure in the first SBT.