: To reduce the risks associated with a prolonged mechanical ventilation, in adults, the thickness of the right hemidiaphragm and the diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) are used as predictors of successful extubation. In the pediatric population, no gold standard has been established.
Aim: To predict the value of diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound indices in anticipation of extubation success in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Material & Methods: This study was conducted in PICU in Benha university hospitals and children hospital, from October 2021 to April 2023. The study included any ventilated patient eligible for weaning. All patients were submitted to spontaneous breathing time (SBT). Diaphragmatic and lung ultrasound were done and scores calculated.
Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Ethical Committees of Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospital.
Results: This study included 80 children who were eligible for SBT. Fifty-eight patients (72.5%) were weaning success group and 22 patients were weaning failed group. The weaning success group had significantly higher diaphragm thickness and diaphragm excursion with mean total DTF of 29.6±2.8 % vs 20.9±6.8 % (