Thoracic Fluid Content by Electrical Cardiometry Versus Lung Ultrasound in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Thoracic Fluid Content by Electrical Cardiometry Versus Lung Ultrasound Score as Predictors of Weaning Outcome in Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Patients

This study aims to compare the accuracy of the total thoracic fluid content (TFC) measured by electrical cardiometry with accuracy of lung ultrasound score in prediction of weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated patients.

Weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation remains one of the critical decisions in the intensive care unit. Earlier patient weaning from mechanical ventilation is recommended to avoid complications of prolonged mechanical ventilation; however, premature weaning might result in extubation failure which is, independently, associated with poor outcomes.

Screening for eligibility is the first step in the weaning process, followed by the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Various indices should be checked carefully before starting a spontaneous breathing trial to ensure adequate oxygenation, ventilation, and airway reflexes. However, nearly one-third of patients fail and are reintubated despite fulfillment of all the current weaning pre-requisites.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 85 mechanically ventilated patients for ≥ 48 hours
• Aged 18-65 years
• Both sex
• Fulfilled the weaning readiness criteria
• Scheduled for spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) using pressure support ventilation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.
• Interstitial lung fibrosis.
• Patients with lung resection.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Patients with fluid overload due to heart, renal or hepatic failure.
• Cardiac patients with ejection fraction less than 40%, cardiomyopathy, congenital or valvular heart diseases.
• Pneumothorax.
• Pleural or pericardial effusion.
• Pregnancy.
• Patients with injuries, burns, or wounds which precluded the proper application of the device electrodes or the ultrasound transducer.