Cough Augmentation Techniques for Weaning in Critically Ill Patients from Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

he secretion retention in mechanically ventilated patients increase the risk of infection and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), in addition to delaying the recovery time and possibility of failed weaning. Consequently, interventions aimed to improve clearance of secretions are essential in decreasing morbidity of intubated patients. Mechanical insufflation exsufflation (MI-E) is a non - invasive cough assistant procedure, which enhance clearance of secretion from proximal airways. The aim of the present work was to assess the impact of mechanical insufflators - exsufflators (MI -E) technique on weaning outcome. The study was conducted at RICU, Giza Chest Hospital and included 30 patients supported by mechanical ventilator. Both groups; NIV and T – tube, were matched as regards age, sex and different comorbidities. The cause of respiratory failure was AECOPD (n = 14), followed by pneumonia (n = 10) and then ILD (n = 6).