[Expert consensus on the clinical application of diaphragm ultrasound in critically ill patients (2026 edition)]

Diaphragm ultrasound, as a convenient and non-invasive bedside visual monitoring technique, has gradually become a vital tool for assessing the morphology and function of the diaphragm in critically ill patients. By real-time monitoring of key indicators including diaphragmatic excursion, thickness, and thickening fraction, diaphragm ultrasound allows the early identification of diaphragmatic dysfunction, providing crucial evidence for respiratory monitoring and support for critically ill patients. In the formulation and implementation of mechanical ventilation management and weaning strategies, diaphragm ultrasound helps improve the weaning success rates and optimize the prognosis of critically ill patients. Currently, diaphragm ultrasound is in a critical stage of rapid popularization and continuous improvement, while standardized operational protocols and evaluation criteria for clinical practice remain lacking. To address this gap, the Critical Rehabilitation Branch of Guangzhou Rehabilitation Medicine Association and the Critical Care Medicine Branch of Guangdong Medical Association jointly organized a multidisciplinary consensus writing committee composed of domestic frontline clinical experts covering critical care medicine, ultrasound medicine, respiratory therapy and other related disciplines. In strict accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, the writing committee systematically retrieved and comprehensively evaluated the latest domestic and international guidelines, expert consensuses and high-quality clinical research evidence on diaphragm ultrasound. Combined with the characteristics of clinical practice in China and senior clinical experience of participating experts, the consensus was finalized through evidence-based demonstration and multiple rounds of seminars, namely the Expert consensus on the clinical application of diaphragm ultrasound in critically ill patients (2026 edition). A total of 21 recommendations have been formulated in this consensus, covering multiple aspects including the indications, technical specifications, examination procedures, clinical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration of diaphragm ultrasound, aiming to promote the standardized application of diaphragm ultrasound technology in the management of critically ill patients.