The Particulars: Studies attempting to identify predictors of weaning outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have had mixed results because they use different ARDS criteria and have heterogeneous patient populations.
Data Breakdown: Investigators in Atlanta conducted a study to determine predictors of time to wean from mechanical ventilation among African Americans with ARDS. Time to wean was shorter in patients with a normal creatinine level, an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score lower than 25, a rapid shallow breathing index of less than 105, a serum albumin level greater than 2 mg/dl, and an oxygenation index of less than 15 on day one as well as in those who were not on vasopressors.
Take Home Pearl: A predictive model based on respiratory variables, disease severity, serum albumin, and cardiovascular function on day one of ventilation appears to be reliably predict time to wean from mechanical ventilation among African American patients with ARDS.
