Introduction:

The number of critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is increasing, leading to a rise in resource utilization with consequences for healthcare systems. Numerous studies have proposed various definitions, risk factors, and prognoses for PMV. In our setting, there is a lack of data regarding this population of critically ill patients.

Objectives:

This study aims to identify the prevalence of PMV in a polyvalent ICU and to identify risk factors for reaching this condition. Additionally, two groups of patients with PMV will be compared: those with more than 14 days and those with more than 21 days.

Material and methods:

A retrospective cohort study over 94 months utilizing an ICU database (Epimed Monitor ICU system) collected prospectively by unit staff.

Results:

Seventeen percent of patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) required PMV. Patients with PMV had lower ICU mortality and similar hospital mortality compared to patients without PMV. MV at admission, a higher Charlson score, and the need for respiratory therapy at admission were associated with PMV.

Conclusions:

PMV presents a high frequency, representing 17% of patients subjected to MV. We identified three risk factors for reaching the condition of PMV. Hospital mortality is similar in patients without PMV and in those with PMV.

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