Predictors of Upper Airway Function and Sleep-disordered Breathing in the Critically Ill

Determining Predictors of Adequate Upper Airway Function in Ventilated Patients

This is part 2 of the #NCT01618240 under the same IRB protocol #2010P001919. The primary objective of this study is to examine factors that are related to sleep-disordered breathing and upper airway patency in critically ill patients who have been recently mechanically ventilated. Our primary hypothesize is that sedatives and neuromuscular blocking agents given in the ICU prior to extubation and during the first night following extubation are associated with sleep-disordered breathing. The secondary hypotheses are that duration of mechanical ventilation, BMI, and muscle strength are associated with sleep-disordered breathing during the night after extubation.

The secondary objective is to evaluate if sleep-disordered breathing in the ICU can be predicted by standard pulmonary function testing in the ICU.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients admitted to the SICU
2. Age over 18 years.
3. Ventilated patients with an endotracheal tube for at least 24 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Decreased level of consciousness as defined by a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) of 0.
2. Non-cooperative patient, CAM score positive for risk of delirium.
3. For women: pregnancy.