Extubation Readiness Study in Very Low Birthweight Infants

A Randomized Trial of the Spontaneous Breathing Trial to Extubate Very Low Birthweight Infants

The objective of this study is to determine whether use of the spontaneous breathing trial allows for earlier successful extubation of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who are intubated for >48 hours and have not yet been successfully extubated (extubated >7 days).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Birthweight >500g and<1500g.
• Postmenstrual age <34 weeks
• Mechanically ventilated >48 hours
• Never successfully extubated

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital heart disease (other than patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), patent foramen ovale (PFO), and restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD)
• Known or suspected airway anomalies
• Severe congenital malformations
• Need to remain intubated for other reasons (i.e. having surgery)
• Has met SBT criteria on previous calendar day (after 48 hrs of ventilation, PIP≤18, PEEP≤6, FiO2≤40%, Rate≤30, PS≤8)