Extubation failure and the use of noninvasive ventilation during the weaning process in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Objective: To assess the outcome of extubation in COVID-19 patients and the use of noninvasive ventilation in the weaning process.

Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to an intensive care unit between April 2020 and December 2021, placed under mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours and progressed to weaning. Early extubation was defined as extubation without a spontaneous breathing trial and immediate use of noninvasive ventilation after extubation.