Separation from mechanical ventilation and survival after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study investigates weaning outcomes, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and their predictors in mechanically ventilated patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). It uses a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to analyze existing research on the topic. The researchers searched six databases from inception until August 2021 for relevant studies. They included both randomized-controlled trials and observational studies involving adult patients with SCI who required mechanical ventilation. The study found that around two-thirds of mechanically ventilated patients can be weaned in ICU after SCI. It also showed that a substantial gain in weaning success can be obtained during rehabilitation, with additional duration of stay but minimal increase in mortality.

• 1
  In ICU, the mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 27 days, with a weaning success rate of 63% and a mortality rate of 8%.
• 2
  In rehabilitation centers, patients were ventilated for a mean of 97 days, with 82% being successfully weaned and a mortality rate of 1%.
• 3
  Factors such as high-level lesions, comorbidities, and the presence of a tracheostomy were associated with weaning failure and longer ventilation duration.