Clinical risk factors associated with extubation failure in ventilated neonates

We conducted this study to find out the incidence of extubation failure (EF) in ventilated neonates and associated clinical risk factors. Eighty two ventilated neonates were followed up to 48 hours post-extubation to look for EF. Twenty two babies (26.8%) had EF. The common risk factors for EF were presence of patent ductus arteriosus, post-extubation lung collapse and acquired pneumonia. The duration of ventilation, and maximum and pre-extubation alveolar arterial oxygen gradients (AaDO2) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in EF group. The incidence of sepsis (P=0.034), anemia (P=0.004) and pneumonia (P=0.001) were significantly higher in EF group. Detection of significant PDA and adequate post extubation care may help to reduce rate of extubation failure in neonates.