WEANING FROM MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Abstract

Delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation is a problem in every intensive care unit (ICU). Not only is associated with an increased mortality and risk of pneumonia, pulmonary emboli and psychological disturbances but it also has implication for the cost of care and the use of resources. Complications of mechanical ventilation can occur at any time and can prolong ventilation. Marium Moula in her article in this journal reported that in their study 68% of patients developed complications associated with mechanical ventilation with ventilatorassociated pneumonia occurring in 34% of patients.