A Systematic Review on the Role of Chest Ultrasound in Guiding Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

The majority of patients admitted to the ICU require mechanical ventilation as a part of their process of care. However, mechanical ventilation itself can lead to dysfunction of the diaphragm, a condition that may contribute to the failure of weaning from mechanical ventilation. One of the major problems is failure of weaning from mechanical ventilation which has several complications as it prolongs the time of stay in ICU increasing the cost, ICU acquired weakness and pneumonia. Several indices have been used for years to predict weaning success and recently ultrasonography has been increasingly used in ICU due to its advantages that include safety, avoidance of radiation hazards, and availability at the bedside. Ultrasound can be used to assess diaphragmatic function in mechanically ventilated patients which is so important because diaphragm is the main respiratory