Electrical Impedance Tomography as a monitoring tool during weaning from mechanical ventilation: an observational study during the spontaneous breathing trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation is associated with poor clinical outcome. Therefore, choosing the right moment for weaning and extubation is essential. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a promising innovative lung monitoring technique, but its role in supporting weaning decisions is yet uncertain. We aimed to evaluate physiological trends during a T-piece spontaneous breathing trail (SBT) as measured with EIT and the relation between EIT parameters and SBT success or failure. METHODS: This is an observational study in which twenty-four adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation performed an SBT. EIT monitoring was performed around the SBT. Multiple EIT parameters including the end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI), delta Tidal Impedance (ΔZ), Global Inhomogeneity index (GI), Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBIEIT), Respiratory Rate (RREIT) and Minute Ventilation (MVEIT) were computed on a breath-by-breath basis from stable tidal breathing periods. RESULTS: EELI values dropped after the start of the SBT (p < 0.001) and did not recover to baseline after restarting mechanical ventilation. The ΔZ dropped (p < 0.001) but restored to baseline within seconds after restarting mechanical ventilation. Five patients failed the SBT, the GI (p = 0.01) and transcutaneous CO2 (p < 0.001) values significantly increased during the SBT in patients who failed the SBT compared to patients with a successful SBT. CONCLUSION: EIT has the potential to assess changes in ventilation distribution and quantify the inhomogeneity of the lungs during the SBT. High lung inhomogeneity was found during SBT failure. Insight into physiological trends for the individual patient can be obtained with EIT during weaning from mechanical ventilation, but its role in predicting weaning failure requires further study.

E-learning-an interventional element of the PRiVENT project to improve weaning expertise.

BACKGROUND: PRiVENT (PRevention of invasive VENTilation) is an evaluation of a bundle of interventions aimed at the prevention of long-term invasive mechanical ventilation. One of these elements is an e-learning course for healthcare professionals to improve weaning expertise. The aim of our analysis is to examine the implementation of the course in cooperating intensive care units. METHODS: The course has been developed through a peer review process by pulmonary and critical care physicians in collaboration with respiratory therapists, supported by health services researchers and a professional e-learning agency. The e-learning platform "weLearn" was made available online to participating healthcare professionals. Feedback on the e-learning programme was obtained and discussed in quality circles (QCs). We measured the acceptance and use of the programme through access statistics. RESULTS: The e-learning course "Joint Prevention of Long-Term Ventilation" consists of 7 separate modules with practice-oriented training units as well as a cross-module area and corresponding interactive case studies. Users can receive 23 CME (continuing medical education) credits. The platform was released on July 1, 2021. By June 28, 2023, 214 users from 33 clinics had registered. Most users (77-98%) completed the modules, thus performing well in the test, where 90-100% passed. In the QCs, the users commended the structure and practical relevance of the programme, as well as the opportunity to earn CME credits. CONCLUSION: Especially for medical staff in intensive care units, where continuous training is often a challenge during shift work, e-learning is a useful supplement to existing medical training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The PRiVENT study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853) on 02/03/2022.

Association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, and single-center study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021. C-reactive protein, total lymphocytes, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were evaluated during attrition and extubation, and the variation in these biomarker values was measured. The primary outcome was successful extubation. ROC curves were drawn to find the best cutoff points for the biomarkers based on sensitivity and specificity. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,377 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, 458 were included in the analysis, 356 in the Successful Weaning Group and 102 in the Failure Group. The cutoff points found from the ROC curves were -62.4% for C-reactive protein, +45.7% for total lymphocytes, and -32.9% for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. These points were significantly associated with greater extubation success. In the multivariate analysis, only C-reactive protein variation remained statistically significant (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.51 - 4.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels was associated with successful extubation in COVID-19 patients. Total lymphocytes and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio did not maintain the association after multivariate analysis. However, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels should not be used as a sole variable to identify COVID-19 patients suitable for weaning; as in our study, the area under the ROC curve demonstrated poor accuracy in discriminating extubation outcomes, with low sensitivity and specificity.

[Correlation between diaphragmatic-rapid shallow breathing index and lung ultrasound score in elderly patients with mechanical ventilation and its predictive value for weaning results].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between diaphragmatic-rapid shallow breathing index (D-RSBI) and lung ultrasound score (LUS) in elderly patients with mechanical ventilation and its predictive value for weaning results. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. The clinical data of elderly patients (age > 60 years old) with invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) admitted to the department of intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University from January 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled. According to the outcome of withdrawal, the patients were divided into successful and failed groups. The differences in gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), D-RSBI and LUS before weaning and extubation were compared between the two groups. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between D-RSBI and LUS. The predictive value of D-RSBI and LUS on weaning results of elderly patients with IPPV was analyzed by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). RESULTS: A total of 398 elderly patients with IPPV were enrolled, including 300 successful weaning patients and 98 failed weaning patients. There were no significant differences in gender and age between the failed group and successful group [male: 55.1% (54/98) vs. 59.0% (177/300), age (years old): 67.02±5.03 vs. 66.96±4.99, both P > 0.05]. APACHE II score in the failed group was significantly higher than that in the successful group (17.09±3.30 vs. 16.06±3.81, P < 0.05), and the D-RSBI and LUS score before extubation were significantly higher than those in the successful group [D-RSBI (time×min-1×mm-1): 2.19±0.33 vs. 1.60±0.22, LUS: 17.30±3.04 vs. 11.97±3.20, both P < 0.01]. All patients showed a significant positive correlation between D-RSBI and LUS score (r = 0.406, P = 0.000). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of D-RSBI for predicting weaning outcomes in elderly IPPV patients was 0.920, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 0.881-0.958 and P = 0.000. When the cut-off value was 1.85 times×min-1×mm-1, the sensitivity was 88.7% and the specificity was 86.7%. The AUC of LUS score for predicting weaning outcome in elderly IPPV patients was 0.875, with a 95%CI of 0.839-0.912 and P = 0.000. When the cut-off value was 14.50, the sensitivity was 75.7% and the specificity was 84.7%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant correlation between D-RSBI and LUS score in elderly mechanically ventilated patients, both of them can predict weaning outcome in elderly patients with mechanical ventilation.

Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, Weaning, and the Role of Tracheostomy.

Depending on the definitional criteria used, approximately 5% to 10% of critical adults will require prolonged mechanical ventilation with longer-term outcomes that are worse than those ventilated for a shorter duration. Outcomes are affected by patient characteristics before critical illness and its severity but also by organizational characteristics and care models. Definitive trials of interventions to inform care activities, such as ventilator weaning, upper airway management, rehabilitation, and nutrition specific to the prolonged mechanical ventilation patient population, are lacking. A structured and individualized approach developed by the multiprofessional team in discussion with the patient and their family is warranted.

Ventilator Weaning and Extubation.

Increasing evidence supports specific approaches to liberate patients from invasive ventilation including the use of liberation protocols, inspiratory assistance during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs), early extubation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to noninvasive ventilation, and prophylactic use of noninvasive support strategies after extubation. Additional research is needed to elucidate the best criteria to identify patients who are ready to undergo an SBT and to inform optimal screening frequency, the best SBT technique and duration, extubation assessments, and extubation decision-making. Additional clarity is also needed regarding the optimal timing to measure and report extubation success.

Pressure Support Ventilation Versus T-piece as Spontaneous Breathing Trials for Extubation of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Weaning patients with COPD from mechanical ventilation (MV) presents a challenge, as literature on this topic is limited. This study compares PSV and T-piece during spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) in this specific population. METHODS: A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane in September 2023 yielded four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) encompassing 560 patients. Among these, 287 (51%) used T-piece during SBTs. RESULTS: The PSV group demonstrated a significant improvement in the successful extubation rate compared to the T-piece (risk ratio [RR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.26; p = 0.02). Otherwise, there was no statistically significant difference in the reintubation (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.79-1.45; p = 0.67) or the ICU mortality rates (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.63-1.55; p = 0.95). CONCLUSION: Although PSV in SBTs exhibits superior extubation success, consistent weaning protocols warrant further exploration through additional studies.

Accuracy of respiratory muscle assessments to predict weaning outcomes: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several bedside assessments are used to evaluate respiratory muscle function and to predict weaning from mechanical ventilation in patients on the intensive care unit. It remains unclear which assessments perform best in predicting weaning success. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and compare the accuracy of the following assessments to predict weaning success: maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressures, diaphragm thickening fraction and excursion (DTF and DE), end-expiratory (Tdiee) and end-inspiratory (Tdiei) diaphragm thickness, airway occlusion pressure (P0.1), electrical activity of respiratory muscles, and volitional and non-volitional assessments of transdiaphragmatic and airway opening pressures. METHODS: Medline (via Pubmed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from inception to 04/05/2023. Studies including adult mechanically ventilated patients reporting data on predictive accuracy were included. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models were used to estimate the SROC curves of each assessment method. Meta-regression was used to compare SROC curves. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding studies with high risk of bias, as assessed with QUADAS-2. Direct comparisons were performed using studies comparing each pair of assessments within the same sample of patients. RESULTS: Ninety-four studies were identified of which 88 studies (n = 6296) reporting on either PImax, DTF, DE, Tdiee, Tdiei and P0.1 were included in the meta-analyses. The sensitivity to predict weaning success was 63% (95% CI 47-77%) for PImax, 75% (95% CI 67-82%) for DE, 77% (95% CI 61-87%) for DTF, 74% (95% CI 40-93%) for P0.1, 69% (95% CI 13-97%) for Tdiei, 37% (95% CI 13-70%) for Tdiee, at fixed 80% specificity. Accuracy of DE and DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to PImax (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). Sensitivity and direct comparisons analyses showed that the accuracy of DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to DE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DTF and DE are superior to PImax and DTF seems to have the highest accuracy among all included respiratory muscle assessments for predicting weaning success. Further studies aiming at identifying the optimal threshold of DTF to predict weaning success are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020209295, October 15, 2020.

The intervention of artificial intelligence to improve the weaning outcomes of patients with mechanical ventilation: Practical applications in the medical intensive care unit and the COVID-19 intensive care unit: A retrospective study.

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) may experience ventilator-associated adverse events and have prolonged ICU length of stay (LOS). We conducted a survey on adult patients in the medical ICU requiring MV. Utilizing big data and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, we developed a predictive model to determine the optimal timing for weaning success, defined as no reintubation within 48 hours. An interdisciplinary team integrated AI into our MV weaning protocol. The study was divided into 2 parts. The first part compared outcomes before AI (May 1 to Nov 30, 2019) and after AI (May 1 to Nov 30, 2020) implementation in the medical ICU. The second part took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, where patients were divided into control (without AI assistance) and intervention (with AI assistance) groups from Aug 1, 2022, to Apr 30, 2023, and we compared their short-term outcomes. In the first part of the study, the intervention group (with AI, n = 1107) showed a shorter mean MV time (144.3 hours vs 158.7 hours, P = .077), ICU LOS (8.3 days vs 8.8 days, P = .194), and hospital LOS (22.2 days vs 25.7 days, P = .001) compared to the pre-intervention group (without AI, n = 1298). In the second part of the study, the intervention group (with AI, n = 88) exhibited a shorter mean MV time (244.2 hours vs 426.0 hours, P = .011), ICU LOS (11.0 days vs 18.7 days, P = .001), and hospital LOS (23.5 days vs 40.4 days, P < .001) compared to the control group (without AI, n = 43). The integration of AI into the weaning protocol led to improvements in the quality and outcomes of MV patients.

[Effect of early pulmonary rehabilitation training on the prognosis of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome after weaning of invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) training on the improvement of respiratory function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after weaning of invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: The retrospective cohort research method was used. The clinical information of adult patients with ARDS receiving invasive mechanical ventilation admitted to the ICU of Qingdao Municipal Hospital from January 2019 to March 2023 was collected. The patients were divided into a control group and an observation group according to off-line training program. The control group received traditional training after weaning, and the observation group received the early PR training after weaning. Other treatments and nursing were implemented according to the routine of the ICU. The scores of the short physical performance battery (SPPB) on day 3-day 6 of the weaning training, respiratory muscle strength, level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), number of aspirations of sputum after weaning, length of stay after weaning, rehospitalization rate within 6 months after discharge, and pulmonary function indicators at discharge and 3 months after discharge [peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC), and vital capacity (VC)] of the two groups of patients were compared. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn to analyze the cumulative survival rate of patients 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 50 of which 25 cases received the traditional training after weaning, 25 cases received the early PR training after weaning. There was no significant difference in gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), oxygenation index upon admission, etiological diagnosis of ARDS upon admission, time of invasive ventilation, mode of invasive mechanical ventilation, pulmonary function indicators at discharge, and other baseline data of the two groups. The SPPB questionnaire scores and respiratory muscle strength in both groups were increased gradually with the extended offline training time, the serum level of IL-6 in both groups were descend gradually with the extended offline training time, especially in the observation group [SPPB questionnaire score in the observation group were 7.81±0.33, 8.72±0.53, 9.44±0.31, 10.57±0.50, while in the control group were 7.74±0.68, 8.73±0.37, 8.72±0.40, 9.33±0.26, effect of time: F = 192.532, P = 0.000, effect of intervention: F = 88.561, P = 0.000, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = 24.724, P = 0.000; respiratory muscle strength (mmHg, 1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa) in the observation group were 123.20±24.84, 137.00±26.47, 149.00±24.70, 155.40±29.37, while in the control group were 129.00±20.34, 126.00±24.01, 132.20±25.15, 138.60±36.67, effect of time: F = 5.926, P = 0.001, effect of intervention: F = 5.248, P = 0.031, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = 3.033, P = 0.043; serum level of IL-6 in the observation group were 80.05±6.81, 74.76±9.33, 63.66±10.19, 56.95±4.72, while in the control group were 80.18±7.21, 77.23±9.78, 71.79±10.40, 66.51±6.49, effect of time: F = 53.485, P = 0.000, effect of intervention: F = 22.942, P = 0.000, interaction effect between intervention and time: F = 3.266, P = 0.026]. Compared with the control group, the number of aspirations of sputum after weaning of patients in the observation group significantly decreased (number: 22.46±1.76 vs. 27.31±0.90), the length of ICU stay after weaning significantly became shorter (days: 6.93±0.95 vs. 8.52±2.21), and the rehospitalization rate within 6 months after discharge significantly decreased [20.00% (5/25) vs. 48.00% (12/25)]. There were significant differences. The pulmonary function indicators 3 months after discharge of two groups of patients significantly increased compared with those at discharge and those of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group [PEF (L/min): 430.20±95.18 vs. 370.00±108.44, FEV1/FVC ratio: 0.88±0.04 vs. 0.82±0.05, VC (L): 3.22±0.72 vs. 2.74±0.37, all P < 0.05]. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rate of patients 6 months after discharge of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than that of patients in the control group [76.9% vs. 45.5%, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.344, P = 0.017]. CONCLUSIONS: Early PR training can significantly improve the respiratory function of patients with ARDS after weaning of invasive mechanical ventilation. Continuous active respiratory training after discharge can improve the respiratory function of patients and effectively decrease mortality.

Weaning from mechanical ventilation and assessment of extubation readiness.

Tremendous advancements in neonatal respiratory care have contributed to the improved survival of extremely preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 28 weeks). While mechanical ventilation is often considered one of the most important breakthroughs in neonatology, it is also associated with numerous short and long-term complications. For those reasons, clinical research has focused on strategies to avoid or reduce exposure to mechanical ventilation. Nonetheless, in the extreme preterm population, 70-100% of infants born 22-28 weeks of gestation are exposed to mechanical ventilation, with nearly 50% being ventilated for ≥ 3 weeks. As contemporary practices have shifted towards selectively reserving mechanical ventilation for those patients, mechanical ventilation weaning and extubation remain a priority yet offer a heightened challenge for clinicians. In this review, we will summarize the evidence for different strategies to expedite weaning and assess extubation readiness in preterm infants, with a particular focus on extremely preterm infants.

[Effect of an Intervention Using Voice Recording of a Family Member on Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilator Weaning Process].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the impact of an intervention using voice recording of family members on pain, anxiety, and agitation in patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A randomized control pre-post experimental design was implemented to 53 participants, with 27 and 26 participants in the experimental and control groups, respectively. A 70-second voice recording of a family member, repeated three times at 10-minute intervals was used as an intervention for the experimental group. Meanwhile, participants in the control group used headset for 30 minutes. Structured instruments were utilized to measure pain, anxiety, agitation, and the weaning process. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and the Mann-Whitney U test, or χ² test, were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The experimental group exhibited significant decrease in pain (Z = -3.53, p < .001), anxiety (t = 5.45, p < .001), and agitation (Z = -2.99, p = .003) scores compared with those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between groups in the weaning process' simplification (χ² = 0.63, p = .727). CONCLUSION: Intervention using family members' voice recording effectively reduces pain, anxiety, and agitation in patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation. This can be actively utilized to provide a more comfortable process for patients.

Seizures in 3 juvenile dogs after intravenous anesthetic drug withdrawal during weaning from mechanical ventilation suspected to be a sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe seizure activity in juvenile dogs successfully weaned from long-term mechanical ventilation. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Three juvenile dogs (all approximately 3 months old) underwent long-term mechanical ventilation with IV anesthesia for suspected noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Within 24 hours of extubation and within 10 hours of discontinuing midazolam continuous infusions, all dogs experienced seizures, which is 1 sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome. Each dog was treated with an anticonvulsant protocol, and none experienced seizures after being discharged. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Each dog received IV anesthesia, including fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol, during mechanical ventilation and subsequently experienced seizures after successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. Juvenile dogs may be at risk for seizures after weaning from mechanical ventilation and IV anesthesia. Neurological monitoring and further research into an appropriate weaning protocol may prove beneficial in juvenile dogs requiring prolonged anesthesia.

Predictive performance of the variation rate of the driving pressure on the outcome of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of the driving pressure variation rate (ΔP%) in predicting the outcome of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: In this case-control study, a total of 35 patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2022 and December 2022 and received invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h were enrolled. Patients were divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group depending on whether they could be removed from ventilator support within 14 days. Outcome measures including driving pressure, PaO2:FiO2, and positive end-expiratory pressure, etc. were assessed every 24 h from day 0 to day 14 until successful weaning was achieved. The measurement data of non-normal distribution were presented as median (Q1, Q3), and the differences between groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. And categorical data use the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to compare. The predictive value of ΔP% in predicting the outcome of weaning from the ventilator was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Of the total 35 patients included in the study, 17 were successful vs. 18 failed in weaning from a ventilator after 14 days of mechanical ventilation. The cut-off values of the median ΔP% measured by Operator 1 vs. Operator 2 in the first 4 days were ≥ 4.17% and 4.55%, respectively (p < 0.001), with the area under curve of 0.804 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%) and 0.770 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%), respectively. There was a significant difference in mechanical ventilation duration between the successful weaning group and the failure weaning group (8 (6, 13) vs. 12 (7.5, 17.3), p = 0.043). The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the successful weaning group was significantly lower than in the failed weaning group (0.2‰ vs. 2.3‰, p = 0.001). There was a significant difference noted between these 2 groups in the 28-day mortality (11.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The median ΔP% in the first 4 days of mechanical ventilation showed good predictive performance in predicting the outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation within 14 days. Further study is needed to confirm this finding.

Diaphragm atrophy during invasive mechanical ventilation is related to extubation failure in preterm infants: An ultrasound study.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD), including diaphragm atrophy (DA), is poorly studied in newborns. We aimed to assess VIDD and its associations in newborns. METHODS: Single-center prospective study. Diaphragm thickness was measured at end-inspiration (TDI) and end-expiration (TDE) on the right midaxillary line. DA was defined as decrease in TDE ≥ 10%. Daily measurements were recorded in preterm newborns on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for ≥2 days. Clinical characteristics of patients and extubation failure were recorded. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and mixed models were performed to describe VIDD and associated factors. RESULTS: We studied 17 patients (median gestational age 270/7 weeks) and 22 IMV cycles (median duration 9 days). Median TDE decreased from 0.118 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 0.094-0.165) on the first IMV day to 0.104 cm (IQR 0.083-0.120) on the last IMV day (p = .092). DA occurred in 11 IMV cycles (50%) from 10 infants early during IMV (median: second IMV day). Mean airway pressure (MAP) and lung ultrasound score (LUS) on the first IMV day were significantly higher in patients who developed DA. DA was more frequent in patients with extubation failure than in those with extubation success within 7 days (83.3 vs. 33.3%, p = .038). CONCLUSIONS: DA, significantly associated with extubation failure, occurred in 58.8% of the study infants on IMV. Higher MAP and LUS at IMV start were associated with DA. Our results suggest a potential role of diaphragm ultrasound to assess DA and predict extubation failure in clinical practice.