The importance of tracheostomy to the weaning success in patients with conscious disturbance in the respiratory care center

摘要

Background: When to extubate the endotracheal tube is controversial in patients with depressed mental status. The use of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) with score 8 or above as a criterion for extubation by many investigators is questionable. Methods: A total of 133 consecutive patients (M/F: 86/47; age: 71?±?17?years) admitted to the respiratory care center (RCC) of the hospital were enrolled. The effects of GCS score on the outcomes and weaning rate of the patients were evaluated. Results: The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with a GCS score<7T or derived GCS (dGCS) score?