Predictive Value of Diaphragm Muscle Ultrasound for Ventilator Weaning Outcomes After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

This study explores using diaphragm ultrasound to predict successful ventilator weaning in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Patients with cSCI often require mechanical ventilation, and being able to wean them off the ventilator improves their health and quality of life. Diaphragm ultrasound measures the thickness and contractility of the diaphragm muscle. The thickening ratio (TR), calculated from these measurements, indicates how well the diaphragm is contracting. The study found that a normal diaphragm contractility (TR ≥1.2) is a strong positive predictor for successful ventilator weaning in patients with cSCI. This information can help rehabilitation physicians set appropriate goals for ventilator weaning.

• 1
  A thickening ratio (TR) of ≥1.2 was the optimal predictor for ventilator weaning outcomes.
• 2
  A threshold of TR ≥1.2 as the maximum hemidiaphragm measurement had a sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.90 for predicting ventilator weaning.
• 3
  All 11 patients who achieved successful ventilator weaning had a maximum TR of 1.2 or greater.