Correlation of Two Methods for Cough Peak Flow Measurement in Intubated Patients

Correlation of Cough Peak Flow Measurement by an Electronic Handheld Spirometer Connected to the Endotracheal Tube and by the Intensive Care Unit Ventilator Flowmeter.

Cough Peak Flow (CPF) seems to be an efficient tool to assess cough capacity for the intensive care unit (ICU) ventilated patient. CPF can be used in the ventilator weaning process, as reflecting the upper airways protection capacity.

CPF requires disconnection of the patient from the ICU ventilator, supplemental material (handheld spirometer, antibacterial filter) and an excellent synchronization between the specialized caregiver and the patient.

We aimed that CPF with the ventilator built-in flow-meter is correlated with CPF using a handheld flowmeter connected to the endotracheal tube.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Mechanically ventilated patient > 24 hours
• Weaning ventilator phase (PEEP < 9 cmH2O and Support < 15 cm H2O)
• Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale between -1 and +1
• Patient's agreement to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Bronchospasm
• FiO2 > 70%
• Thoracic surgery < 7 days
• Abdominal surgery < 7 days
• Thoracic injury with rib fracture < 21 days
• Pneumothorax < 24 hours