Noninvasive ventilation for weaning from mechanical ventilation: A literature review.

Abstract

The implementation of noninvasive ventilation as a weaning strategy from mechanical ventilation has been steadily rising in recent years. Unlike mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation is thought to preserve diaphragmatic muscle strength, ensuring a quicker and more effective healing process. This review article aims to highlight this topic by examining past studies that investigated noninvasive ventilation as a weaning strategy, and by comparing its performance to other methods. Additionally, we reviewed the available literature in utilizing this strategy in certain subgroups of the population. Based on our review, we conclude that noninvasive ventilation reduces the risks of reintubation, minimizes the requirement for antibiotics, lowers the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and leads to decreased length of intensive care unit stay. However, regarding post-extubation respiratory, and mortality rates, the results were mixed.