In 25% of critically ill patients, weaning from mechanical ventilation takes longer than 10 days; indeed, 5–10% of patients still require ventilation at 30 days. Those with prolonged weaning, after adjustment for other variables, have a higher mortality within the intensive care unit than those without weaning delay or failure. The pathophysiological processes that result in weaning failure are complex and result of an imbalance between the neural respiratory drive, respiratory muscle load, and capacity. The clinical conditions resulting in these pathophysiological conditions should be methodically considered in patients requiring prolonged weaning. These patients often need a personalized weaning and rehabilitation approach, based on their underlying pathological condition as well as their psychological and physiological status.
The Critical Illness Polyneuropathy in Septic Patients With Prolonged Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation: Is the Diaphragm Also Affected? A Pilot Study