Predictors of survival after prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation

Abstract Purpose Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a key component of intensive care treatment; however, this process may be prolonged as some patients require care at specialised centres. Current data indicate that weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation is successful in approximately 65% of patients; however, data on long-term survival after discharge from a weaning centre are limited. Materials and methods We analysed predictors of survival among 597 patients (392 men, mean age 68 ± 11) post-discharge from a specialised German weaning centre. Results Complete weaning from mechanical ventilation was achieved in 407 (57.8%) patients, and 106 patients (15.1%) were discharged with non-invasive ventilation; thus, prolonged weaning was successful in 72.9% of the patients. The one-year and five-year survival rates post-discharge were 66.5% and 37.1%, respectively. Age, duration of mechanical ventilation, certain clusters of comorbidities, and discharged with mechanical ventilation significantly influenced survival (p  Conclusions The identified predictors of survival after prolonged weaning could support therapeutic strategies during patients' intensive care unit stay. Patients should be closely monitored after discharge from a weaning centre.