Determining the best threshold of rapid shallow breathing index in a therapist-implemented patient-specific weaning protocol.

Abstract

The conservative RSBI threshold of </= 80 can be raised for patients weaned with our respiratory-therapist-implemented weaning protocol. The optimal RSBI threshold was 97, where accuracy was maximal. RSBI was a good predictor of 1-hour SBT tolerance in this cohort of tracheotomized patients weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation.