Prolonged use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation after extubation among patients in the intensive care unit following cardiac surgery: The predictors and its impact on patient outcome

This retrospective, observational cohort study aimed to determine the independent risk factors and impact of prolonged non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) after extubation among patients in the intensive care unit following cardiac surgery. Patients who received prophylactic NIPPV after extubation were categorized into prolonged (NIPPV duration >3 days, n = 83) and non-prolonged groups (NIPPV duration ≤3 days, n = 105). The perioperative characteristics and hospital outcomes were recorded. The multivariate analyses identified the preoperative residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.10; 95% CI:1.01-1.19, p = 0.022) and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage 2-3, 48 h after surgery (AOR: 3.87; 95% CI:1.21-12.37, p = 0.023) as independent predictors of prolonged NIPPV. Patients with both RV/TLC ratio > 46.5% and KDIGO stage 2-3 showed a highly increased risk of prolonged NIPPV (HR 27.17, p = 0.010), which was in turn associated with higher risk of postoperative complications and prolonged ICU and hospital stays. Preoperative RV/TLC ratio and postoperative AKI could identify patients at higher risk for prolonged NIPPV associated with poor outcomes. These findings may allow early recognition of patients who are at a higher risk for prolonged NIPPV, and help refine the perioperative management and critical care.