TY - JOUR T1 - The use of Extubation Readiness Parameters: A Survey of Pediatric Critical Care Physicians JF - Respiratory Care DO - 10.4187/respcare.02469 SP - respcare.02469 AU - Maroun J. Mhanna AU - Ingrid M. Anderson AU - Narayan P. Iyer AU - Amy Baumann Y1 - 2013/08/13 UR - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2013/08/13/respcare.02469.abstract N2 - Background: The pediatric literature addressing extubation readiness parameters and strategies to wean from mechanical ventilation is limited in children. Methods: A survey was designed to assess the implementation of extubation readiness parameters among Pediatric Critical Care Physicians who are affiliated to academic centers in the United States. Results: The overall response rate to the survey was 44.1% (417/945). The majority of responders check for an air leak, and check for the amount of tracheal secretions; and fewer physicians use sedation scores, perform a Rapid Shallow Breath Index (RSBI), and measure an airway occlusion pressure at 0.1 sec (P0.1 sec) prior to extubation. The majority perform a SBT with pressure support (PS). The majority consider 30 cm of H2O as the upper limit of an air leak test, and the need for endotracheal suctioning once every 2-4 hours as acceptable for extubation. In preparation for termination of mechanical ventilation the majority wean daily ventilator rates and or PS instead of daily SBT. Conclusions: Most PCCP report assessing extubation readiness by checking for air leak and suctioning needs, and less often consider or perform sedation scores or RSBI. Future studies on the best extubation parameters in children are needed. ER -