This study aimed to assess the ability of lung ultrasound (LUS) to
predict mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning outcomes in critically
ill adults. Methods: A prospective observational study that analyzed
data collected from 50 adult patients, mechanically ventilated for
more than 48 hours and eligible for their first spontaneous breathing
trial. A LUS was performed prior to and at the end of a 1-hour SBT.
To quantify lung aeration, a LUS score was calculated. Patients
were divided into two groups according to their response to weaning
trials with group A showing successful weaning while group B
showing failed weaning. All included patients were followed up to
Intensive Care Unit discharge. Results: Weaning failure was
observed in 36% of patients. LUS score showed a significant
difference between both groups (P < 0.001). Pre- and postspontaneous breathing trial (post-SBT), LUS scores were
significantly higher in the failed weaning group (14.44 ±2.52 and
18.83 ±3.18 respectively) than in the successful weaning group
(11.25 ±3.05 and 12.53 ±3.41 respectively). A ROC analysis for the
ability of post-SBT LUS score to predict weaning outcomes
revealed a significant AUC of 0.911 with a 95% confidence interval
ranging from 0.830-0.992 (P < 0.0001). The best cut-off was 14.5, at
which sensitivity and specificity were 88.8% and 68.7%,
respectively. Conclusions: Our data suggest that LUS can be used
as a predictor of MV weaning outcomes in critically ill adults. A post-SBT LUS score cut-off
value of 14.5 has a sensitivity and a specificity of 88.8% and 68.7%, respectively.