Preextubation ventilatory measurements in newborns and infants.

Maximum inspiratory pressure, inspiratory capacity, and minute ventilation were measured in a group of infants prior to extubation to determine whether these parameters predicted successful extubation. Data obtained suggested that maximum inspiratory pressure and inspiratory capacity more accurately assessed the patient's ability to tolerate extubation than minute ventilation, pH, PCO2, or respiratory rate. A maximum inspiratory pressure of greater than 33 torr and an inspiratory capacity of greater than 150 ml/m2 were predictive of successful extubation.