[Predictive factors of failure extubation among preterm infants]

To determine the factors that lead to extubation failure among preterm newborns (PTN).

Failure was determined when patients had to be reintubated during the first 72 hours. Critically-ill preterm newborns needing mechanical assisted ventilation at least during 24 hours were studied prospectively. Two groups were included: Group A, who failed in extubation for the first time and Group B, a control group who did not fail. Significance was set a p <0.05.

Gestational age and birth weight showed significant differences in Group B (control group). Significant factors in the multivariate analysis were gestational age < 32 weeks, caloric intake < or = 100 calories/kg/day and mean airway pressure (MAP) > or = [corrected] 4.5 cm H2O.

According to our results, an extubation should be planned whenever a patient is a PTN, has a gestational age of <32 weeks, a caloric intake >100 cal/kg/day, and its ventilator MAP is <4.5 cm H2O.