Evaluation of the dead space to tidal volume ratio as a predictor of extubation failure.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the ratio of dead space to tidal volume (VD/VT) as a predictor of extubation failure of children from mechanical ventilation.

Methods: From September 2001 to January 2003 we studied a cohort consisting of all children (1 day-15 years) submitted to mechanical ventilation at a pediatric intensive care unit who were extubated and for whom pre-extubation ventilometry data were available, including the VD/VT ratio. Extubation success was defined as no need for any type of ventilatory support, invasive or otherwise, within 48 hours.