title: Effects of the use of mechanical ventilation weaning protocol in the Coronary Care Unit: randomized study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare mechanical ventilation weaning based on a protocol using the spontaneous breathing trial against mechanical ventilation weaning without a standardized protocol in heart patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, open, randomized study. In 2006, 36 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for over 24 hours were randomized into two groups: control group - eighteen patients whose mechanical ventilation weaning was performed according to the different procedures adopted by the multidisciplinary team; and experimental group - eighteen patients weaned according to previously established protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Control group patients started the weaning process sooner than experimental group patients (74.7 ± 14.7 hours vs. 185.7 ± 22.9 hours, P=0.0004). However, after the experimental group patients were ready for weaning, the extubation was carried out more rapidly than in the control group (149.1 ± 3.6 min vs. 4179.1 ± 927.8 min, P < 0.0001) with significantly lower reintubation rates (16.7% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a specific protocol based on the spontaneous breathing trial for mechanical ventilation weaning in heart patients had better outcomes than weaning carried out without a standardized protocol, with shorter weaning times and lower reintubation rates.
authors: Base Hospital, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. raquelfpiotto@yahoo.com.br
authors: Raquel Ferrari
authors: RF
authors: Piotto
authors: Lilia Nigro
authors: LN
authors: Maia
authors: Maurício de Nassau
authors: MN
authors: Machado
authors: Suzana Perez
authors: SP
authors: Orrico
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003325:Coronary Care Units; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods*