A comparison of T- tube and pressure support ventilation for programatic extubation

Objective To compare the outcome of programatic weaning from ventilator and extubation after 30 min spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) with T- tube or pressure support ventilation (PSV). Methods A prospective, randomized study including 55 patients who had receive mechanical ventilation after operations. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a 30 min SBT with T- tube (n = 27) or with PSV of 0.686 kPa(7 cm H2O) (n = 28). The patients passed the SBT with respiratory rate 35 and PaO2 9.33 kPa(70 mmHg) were extubated. Results The duration of mechanical ventilation was not different between the two groups [ (38.11 ±51.20) hours T- tube, (34.58 ±35.04) hours PSV]. All ofthe patients passed the SBTand were extubated successfully. However two of them were reintubated in 48 hours, one in T- tube and the other in PSV. The percentage of patients who completed SBT in 30 min was similar (85.2 %, 23/27 T- tube; 85.7 %, 24/28 PSV). Eight patients failed the trial in 30 min, but passed the SBTduring 40 to 120 min. The albumin and hemoglobin were not different between the two groups, but their values were belowthe normal (35 g/L albumin, 10 g/dl hemoglobin). Conclusion Thirty min spontaneous breathing trial with T- tube or pressure support are suitable methods for weaning from ventilator support. It demonstrates in this study, lower albumin and hemoglobin have nonegtive effect on extubation.