Comparison of respiratory and blood gas parameters
Respiratory parameters including RSS, VI, ventilator set rate, MAP, PIP and FiO2 at 24 hours and 72 hours were compared to the pre-extubation levels. All respiratory parameters were noted to be significantly worse at 24 hours and 72 hours post reintubation, when compared to pre-extubation levels. The pre-extubation blood gas pH and pre-extubation PCO2 were compared to post-reintubation blood gas pH and PCO2 at 24 hours, and 48 hours. Blood gas parameters measured at 24 hours and 72 hours post re-intubation were noted to be significantly worse when compared to pre-extubation levels (Table 1; Figure 1-3).