[Predictors of extubation failure in neurosurgical patients].

Background: The information regarding the factors that affect the success of extubation in neurosurgical patients is limited; thus, it is necessary to determine the prevalence, and the associated factors, of extubation failure in neurosurgical patients.

Methods: It was performed a prospective, longitudinal, observational and comparative study in neurosurgical patients with criteria for extubation. In those who the number of endotracheal aspirations had failed 24 hours before extubation, it was analyzed the presence of cough reflex, length of stay and mechanical ventilation days.

Results: 70 patients were included in the study, of whom 11.4 % patients failed extubation and the associated factors were performing 6 events or more of endotracheal tube suction 24 hours prior to weaning (relative risk [RR] = 1.88, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-3.09, p 0.01), 7 days of mechanical ventilation (RR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.08-1.57, p 0.005) and a length of hospital stay of 7.5 days (RR = 1.24, 95 % CI = 1.05-1.47, p 0.01).

Conclusions: Performing 6 or more endotracheal tube suction events during the 24 hours before extubation is a risk factor for extubation failure in neurosurgical patients.