Inspiratory muscle training liberated the hard-to-wean

In a rare encouraging positive study in the chronically critically ill, 71% of vent-dependent patients (~6 weeks on MV) who did multiple sets of daily inspirations backwards through a PEEP valve weaned from mechanical ventilation (defined as >72 hrs off the vent), vs. 47% receiving a sham treatment. MIP also improved by 10 cmH2O in the treatment group, in University of Florida ICUs. (n=69). Critical Care 2011;15:R84. FULL FREE TEXT

You may also like -

Obesity may improve survival in ARDS, but with renal failure (Crit Care Med)Continuing beta blockers safe during acute COPD exacerbations (Thorax)Dynamic extrathoracic airway obstruction (NEJM Video)No difference in outcomes with early vs late TPN in observational trial (Crit Care Med)Think NIPPV overnight is useless for stable hypercapneic COPD? TURN IT UP, MAN! (CHEST)