Prognostic factors in mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic values of respiratory parameters recorded within the first 48 hours in patients connected to mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU), in terms of 30-day mortality. Material and Method: This prospective study included patients who received mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure between 2011 and 2013. The demographic characteristics of the patients, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) scores, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) values, vital signs, the results of complete blood count, biochemistry parameters and blood gas analyses were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as survivors and non-survivors, and the differences in the parameters between the groups were analysed. Results: The study included 99 mechanically ventilated patients with the mean age 71.73 (18-105) years. Of the patients, 56 (56.6%) were male and 43 (43.4%) were female. Comparison of the survivors (n=37) with the non-survivors (n=62) indicated that the non-survivors had no statistical differences in terms of age, gender, or concomitant diseases. The values of GCS, APACHE II, and SOFA were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors (for all, p<0.001). Significant differences were also noted in FiO2 (p<0.001), pH (p=0.001), PO2 (p=0.044), PCO2 (p=0.046), A-a Gradient (p<0.001) and the expected increase of O2 gradient (p=0.026) between two groups. Discussion: Our findings indicate that, during the follow-up of the mechanically ventilated patients, respiratory parameters measured within the first 48 hours are cheap and easy-to-use parameters to predict the prognosis.