Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Forced Vital Capacity as Criterion for Transfer Out of the Intensive Care Unit
Jeffrey Oury1, Samantha Johnson2, Hannah Bailey2
1Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Introduction:
Forced vital capacity (FVC) continues to be the mainstay of risk stratification for the traumatic rib fractures (RFx) patient, and previous studies have shown its effective use of admitting patients to the appropriate level of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of FVC as a criterion for transfer out of the intensive care unit (ICU).
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study included adult trauma patients with rib fractures admitted to the ICU at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2021. Data was collected to include FVC, ICU and hospital length of stay, complications, and ICU readmissions. Patterns and thresholds of FVC improvement were investigated. This was determined identifying the difference between the third and first quartile of the average percentage change of the last 3 FVC measurements. P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
A total of 1215 patients were included for analysis. Median number of ICU days was 3. There were 85 (7%) ICU readmissions, 69 (5.7%) unplanned intubations, and 21 (2%) patients developed a pneumonia. Median ICU days increased with any of the aforementioned complications. Multiple patterns of FVC change and thresholds were investigated. There was no association between an FVC threshold of 1, or patterns of improvement, with clinical outcomes. This was likely limited to the low number of complications observed.
Conclusions:
The utility of FVC measurement after ICU admission appears to be within the first 24 h. Trauma providers may still consider utilizing this measurement, as additional research is needed to determine the optimal frequency.
More Related Videos
07:09Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
08:44Author Spotlight: Integrating Alveolar-Capillary Reserve Measurements in Exercise Adaptation and Therapeutic Strategies
Published on: February 2, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:24Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:22Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...