Norisue Y, et al. - Researchers investigated if an increase from baseline in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during a coughing episode induced by routine pre-extubation airway suctioning is related to extubation outcome after a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Among 335 mechanically ventilated patients who passed an SBT, unsuccessful extubation was reported in 24 patients (7.2%). After adjusting for APACHE II score, relative to those with a ΔIAP > 30 cm H₂O, unsuccessful extubation was 3.40 times as likely for patients with a delta IAP (ΔIAP) of ≤ 30 cm H₂O. Overall, ΔIAP during a coughing episode induced by routine pre-extubation airway suctioning was found to be significantly related to extubation outcome in patients with a successful SBT.