Abstract

In mechanically ventilated patients weaning is always a problem. The aim of this study was to assess the diaphragmatic function using ultrasound by measuring diaphragmatic thickness and excursion as a predictor of the extubation outcome. Materials And Methods: In this study sixty-two mechanically ventilated patients from the intensive care unit were included. Those who successfully passed the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were enrolled. The ultrasound of the diaphragm was performed during an SBT to the assess diaphragmatic function by measuring diaphragmatic excursion and thickness and further they were classified into the successful extubation group and the failed extubation group. Results: There was a significant increase in the successful extubation group in the diaphragmatic excursion and thickness fraction statistically. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the duration of the mechanical ventilation and the diaphragmatic function. There is always a negative correlation between diaphragmatic function and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Discussion: The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration because it contributes approximately to 70% of the TV during inspiration in normal people. Therefore, diaphragmatic dysfunction is the most important factors accounting for difficult weaning. Ultrasound is a readily available, easy to use, and noninvasive imaging modality that is commonly used for procedures and clinical evaluation in the modern ICU. Ultrasound measurements have been used for evaluation of diaphragmatic contractility either by assessment of DE or DT. In the current study, we showed that measurements of DE and DTF by ultrasound could be used to predict successful weaning. Conclusion: We concluded that diaphragmatic ultrasonography a noninvasive technique is a promising tool in Predicting successful extubation in mechanically ventilated patients

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