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Introduction: Extubation failure (EF) refers to the inability to maintain spontaneous breathing after removal of endotracheal tube. The aim of this review is to identify the best parameter to predict EF in adult intensive care patients., Evidence Acquisition: We searched for publications in PubMed (2000-2016). Studies of patients intubated and mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours were included and divided in groups basing on the extubation method. 2x2 tables were performed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and the predictive values only for those parameters investigated in more than three studies. Studies were divided in groups, basing on time required to define EF (<24 hours, <72 or >72 hours), and EF percentage was calculated for each group., Evidence Synthesis: On 443 potentially studies, 26 were included. Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) and cough strength parameters were found in more than three studies. RSBI or cough strength parameter showed a sensitivity of 20-88.8% or 55.5-85.2%, a specificity of 68.5-94.8% or 24-49%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 39.5-66.6% or 24-49% and a negative predictive value of 98-82% or 89.5-96.4%, respectively. EF rate was 12.5%, 15.3% and 22% in patients evaluated within 24 hours, 72 hours and over 72 hours, respectively., Conclusions: This review shows that all parameters used to predict EF have a low PPV. Therefore, the limitation of use of such predictive tests may prolong unnecessarily the intubation and increase the unfavorable outcome. A prospective study involving all variables could be useful to predict the EF in ICU.

Background: During laparoscopy, respiratory mechanics and gas exchange are impaired because of pneumoperitoneum and atelectasis formation. We applied an open lung approach (OLA) consisting in lung recruitment followed by a decremental positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) trial to identify the level of PEEP corresponding to the highest compliance of the respiratory system (best PEEP). Our hypothesis was that this approach would improve both lung mechanics and oxygenation without hemodynamic impairment., Methods: We studied twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We continuously recorded respiratory mechanics parameters throughout a decremental PEEP trial in order to identify the best PEEP level. Furthermore, lung and chest wall mechanics, respiratory and transpulmonary driving pressures (ΔP), gas exchange and hemodynamics were recorded at three time-points: 1) after pneumoperitoneum induction (TpreOLA); 2) after the application of the OLA (TpostOLA); 3) at the end of surgery, after abdominal deflation (Tend)., Results: The "best PEEP" level was 8.1±1.3 cmH2O (range 6 to 10 cmH2O), corresponding to the highest compliance of the respiratory system (CRS). This "best PEEP" level corresponded with lowest ΔPL. OLA increased the compliance of the lung and of the chest wall, and decreased ΔPRS and ΔPL. PaO2/FiO2 increased from 299±125 mmHg to 406±101 mmHg (P=0.04). Changes in respiratory mechanics, driving pressures and oxygenation were maintained until Tend. Hemodynamic parameters remained stable throughout the study period., Conclusions: In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the OLA was suitable for bedside PEEP setting, improved lung mechanics and gas exchange without significant adverse hemodynamic effects.