Respiratory muscle dysfunction, being a common cause of weaning failure, is strongly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and prolonged stay in intensive care units. Strategies to improve weaning outcomes – i.e., spontaneous breathing trials, noninvasive MV and early mobilisation – can help patients to interrupt MV, according to a review paper published in the journal Respiratory Medicine. Identifying strategies to reduce the duration of MV and to restore ventilatory autonomy is an immediate priority from the moment of its commencing.

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