Weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation: a protocol from a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an important lifesaving method in intensive care unit (ICU). Prolonged MV is associated with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and other complications. However, premature weaning from MV may lead to higher risk of reintubation or mortality. Therefore, timely and safe weaning from MV is important. In addition, identification of the right patient and performing a suitable weaning process is necessary. Although several guidelines about weaning have been reported, compliance with these guidelines is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the variation of weaning in China, associations between initial MV reason and clinical outcomes, and factors associated with weaning strategies using a multicenter cohort. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study will be conducted at 17 adult ICUs in China, that included patients who were admitted in this 17 ICUs between October 2020 and February 2021. Patients under 18 years of age and patients without the possibility for weaning will be excluded. The questionnaire information will be registered by a specific clinician in each center who has been evaluated and qualified to carry out the study. DISCUSSION: In a previous observational study of weaning in 17 ICUs in China, weaning practices varies nationally. Therefore, a multicenter retrospective cohort study is necessary to be conducted to explore the present weaning methods used in China. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (No. ChiCTR2100044634).