Left ventricular systolic function and mechanical ventilation weaning failure: An updated systematic review and...

The impact of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction on weaning failure is unclear.

Updated meta-analysis assessing the association between LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and weaning failure.

A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE for prospective studies reporting weaning according to echocardiographic data measured before starting a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT).

Studies included in the meta-analysis that reported on weaning and echocardiographic data.

LVEF, E/e' ratio, E velocity, deceleration time of the E wave, and e' velocity.

Three studies were added in this update (n = 14, sample 20-30% larger). Lower LVEF (n = 12) was associated with weaning failure: MD: -4.71 95%CI [-9.18, -0.23]; p = 0.04, I² = 90%, low certainty of evidence), without subgroups difference according to SBT type or LVEF mean values. Trial sequential analysis showed that results were not robust (information size n = 745/1378). E/e' ratio (MD: 1.90, 95%CI [0.48,3.32]; p = 0.009, I² = 84%), E velocity (MD: 8.32, 95%CI [2.59,14.05]; p = 0.004, I² = 54%) and shorter deceleration time of the E wave (MD: -12.01, 95%CI [-21.13, -2.89]; p = 0.01, I² = 0%) were associated with weaning failure, whilst e' velocity was not (MD: -0.59, 95%CI [-1.51,0.32]; p = 0.20, I² = 64%).

An association of weaning failure with poorer LV systolic function (LVEF), not detected by the previous meta-analysis, was found. However, such association is highly fragile and with a mean difference below 5%, which seems not clinically relevant. Higher E/e' ratio and other diastolic parameters confirmed their association with weaning failure, whilst e' did not.