Thoracic fluid content by electrical cardiometry versus lung ultrasound score as predictors of weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients: A prospective cohort observational study

Background: Weaning individuals off mechanical ventilation (MV) is a pivotal choice in the intensive care unit (ICU). This work aimed to assess the precision of total thoracic fluid contents (TFC) using electrical cardiometry (EC) against the precision of lung ultrasound score (LUS) in forecasting weaning results in individuals on MV. Methods: This prospective cohort observational work was performed on 85 subjects on MV for ≥ 48 hours aged ≥ 18 years old, both sexes, who met the weaning readiness requirements and had been planned for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Results: TFC before initiation of SBT and before extubation can significantly anticipate weaning outcomes in critical care unit patients on MV followed by LUS before the beginning of SBT and before extubation followed by rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) before initiation of SBT and before extubation then cumulative fluid balance, while lung compliance before initiation of SBT and before extubation cannot predict weaning outcome. TFC, LUS, and RSBI before initiation of SBT and before extubation had been substantially decreased in successful weaning group compared to failed weaning group in studied patients (P