Role of noninvasive ventilation in decreasing the length of postextubation ICU stay

Background Respiratory failure after a planned extubation is reported to be a common event, leading to reintubation. These reintubated patients have higher morbidity, mortality, hospitalization charges, and an increased length of hospital stay. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess the role of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in decreasing the length of postextubation ICU stay. Results Fifty-six patients with respiratory failure type II were included in our study after exclusion of four patients who had self-extubation. Twenty-six patients were allocated to the NIV group and 26 to the control group. Physiological variables of the patients 1 h after the trial were mainly significantly better in the NIV group than in the standard medical treatment (SMT) group. Trial duration was significantly shorter in the NIV group than in the SMT group. Conclusion This supports the use of NIV early after extubation in all patients regardless of risk for respiratory failure.