Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation

To evaluate changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016.

Post-hoc analysis of four cohort studies.

138 Spanish ICUs.

2141 patients scheduled extubated.

None.

Demographics, reason for mechanical ventilation, complications, methods for disconnection, failure on the first attempt at disconnection, duration of weaning, reintubation, post-reintubation tracheotomy, ICU stay and mortality.

There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in the use of gradual reduction of support pressure. The adjusted probability of using the gradual reduction in pressure support versus a spontaneous breathing trial has increased over time, both for the first attempt at disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 0.99 in 2004, 0.57 in 2010 and 2.43 in 2016) and for difficult/prolonged disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 2.29 in 2004, 1.23 in 2010 and 2.54 in 2016). The proportion of patients extubated after the first attempt at disconnection has increased over time. There is a decrease in the ventilation time dedicated to weaning (from 45% in 1998 to 36% in 2016). However, the duration in difficult/prolonged weaning has not decreased (median 3 days in all studies, p=0.435).

There have been significant changes in the mode of disconnection of mechanical ventilation, with a progressive increase in the use of gradual reduction of pressure support. No relevant changes in outcomes have been observed.