Introduction
Mechanical ventilation is defined as a technique by which gas exchange from and to the lung can be achieved through external device. The main goal of mechanical ventilation in COPD exacerbation is to improve pulmonary gas exchange and to rest compromised respiratory muscles sufficiently to recover from the fatigued state. Weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation remains a challenge in ICU. Earlier patient weaning from mechanical ventilation is recommended to avoid complications of prolonged mechanical ventilation. Evaluation of volume status by various parameters are measured to be used in order to predict failure of extubation before SBT in COPD patients. Thoracic fluid content is a parameter that represents the whole (extravascular, intravascular, and intrapleural) fluid component with in the thorax, and could be assessed through the changes in the impedance of thoracic tissue to the electric current by using electrical cardiometry .
Aim of the work: The aim of the work is to study the role of electrical cardiometry as a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in COPD patients
through measurement of thoracic fluid content (TFC).