Predicting Successful Extubation Rate Using Modified Spontaneous Breathing Trial in PICUs

Extubation readiness is assessed by spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) however, there is a lack of universally agreed protocols for their accurate performance and reporting in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate extubating bundles, including modified SBT, in predicting successful extubation in critically-ill children with planned extubation. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was based on the collection of data from 150 critically-ill children admitted to the PICU at Minia University Hospital. From January 2019 to June 2020, those children admitted to the PCIU and subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV), and extubation were enrolled. When the clinical team decided a child was ready for extubation based on the extubating bundle, a modified SBT (10 min) was used. It was started with switching to the CPAP/PS mode, followed by PS zero, and maintaining the original PEEP for 3 min. Finally, PS was kept at 5 - 8 cmH2O, and the original PEEP was maintained for the remaining 7 min (total period of 10 min). Results: The extubation bundle with modified SBT could predict extubation success with 89% sensitivity and 89.9% positive predictive value (PPV). There were no significant differences in age, weight, gender, and length of intubation between children with failed SBT and those who were successfully extubated. In 41 cases, SBT failure occurred in 3 - 5 min, while nine cases showed failure in 6 - 10 min. Conclusions: Extubation bundle with modified SBT before elective extubation is indicated for children. Guidelines for extubation among critically-ill children are needed to reduce unnecessary exposure to mechanical ventilation’s adverse effects. Further multicenter research is required to enhance outcomes and decline the burden of these patients.