Study population
congenital or acquired neuromuscular disorders, Coma, traumatic brain injury, congenital heart disorder, paralysis, chronic lung disease
SECONDARY, CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE, SEVERE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION, COMA
This study is a secondary analysis of data from mechanically ventilated children enrolled in a randomized cross-over trial investigating pediatric ventilation liberation. The study was performed in the 20-bed tertiary medical-surgical PICU of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen (Groningen, the Netherlands). Subjects < 5 years of age deemed ready for weaning from invasive MV by their treating clinician were eligible for inclusion. Those with congenital or acquired neuromuscular disorders or paralysis of the diaphragm, severe traumatic brain injury (i.e., Glasgow Coma Score < 8), uncorrected congenital heart disorder, chronic lung disease and severe pulmonary hypertension were excluded. The Institutional Review Board approved the study (NL38361.042.11), and written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal caretakers.