Mechanical ventilation weaning and extubation after spinal cord injury: a Western Trauma Association multicenter study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory failure after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is well recognized, but data defining which patients need long-term ventilator support and criteria for weaning and extubation are lacking. We hypothesized that many patients with SCI, even those with cervical SCI, can be successfully managed without long-term mechanical ventilation and its associated morbidity.

Methods

Under the auspices of the Western Trauma Association Multi-Center Trials Group, a retrospective study of patients with SCI at 14 major trauma centers was conducted. Comprehensive injury, demographic, and outcome data on patients with acute SCI were compiled. The primary outcome variable was the need for mechanical ventilation at discharge. Secondary outcomes included the use of tracheostomy a

SUBMITTER: Kornblith LZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3837348 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature