Effects of mechanical in-exsufflation in preventing postextubation acute respiratory failure in intensive care acquired weakness patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: We hypothesized that the use of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory failure within the 48-hour post-extubation period in intensive care unit-acquired weakness patients.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label trial. Patients diagnosed with intensive care unit-acquired weakness were consecutively enrolled based on a Medical Research Council score ≤ 48/60.

Effects of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation on Sputum Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Subjects.

Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is a noninvasive technique performed to simulate cough and remove sputum from proximal airways. To date, the effects of MI-E on critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation are not fully elucidated. In this randomized crossover trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of MI-E combined to expiratory rib cage compressions (ERCC).