Mouth occlusion pressure as a useful indicator for weaning from mechanical ventilation

We studied the usefulness of the neuromuscular inspiratory drive (P0.1) and P0.1 normalized by ventilation (sP0.1) as indicators for weaning from mechanical ventilation. The patients were classified into two groups on the basis of outcome: a successful group who could have weaning and an unsuccessful group who could not be free from mechanical ventilation. The unsuccessful group showed significantly greater P0.1 (6.35 +/- 2.95 cmH2O) than successful group (2.81 +/- 1.21 cmH2O). The patients who failed in weaning also showed an increase in sP0.1 which would mean an increase in respiratory impedance. These results suggest that P0.1 and sP0.1 might be useful to follow the time course during weaning from mechanical ventilation.