Utility of Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) Using ET-CPAP, in Predicting Extubation Failure in Neonates

Intubation and ventilation are lifesaving interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU), especially among preterm, low birth weight babies. However, timely extubation is also necessary. The decision to extubate usually depends on clinical judgement, appropriate blood gas prior to extubation and low ventilator parameters. Approximately 40 % of babies' extubated on the above criteria require re-intubation, suggesting that current methods to predict extubation failure are insufficient. . Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) has been predominantly used in infants and children to access the readiness for extubation. Few studies in premature neonates have also shown good sensitivity and specificity in predicting extubation success. However its significance in our population is yet to be determined. We aim to use this for both our preterm and term babies and if results are significant we plan to include this as our routine pre extubation criteria.