Características de los pacientes que reciben ventilación mecánica en unidades de cuidados intensivos: primer estudio multicéntrico chileno

Prospective cohort of consecutive adult patients admitted to 19 intensive care units(ICU) from 9 Chilean cities who received MV for more than 12 hours between September 1st, 2003,and September 28th, 2003. Demographic data, severity of illness, reason for the initiation of MV,ventilation modes and settings as well as weaning strategies were registered at the initiation and then,daily throughout the course of MV for up to 28 days. ICU and hospital mortality were recorded.