Table 1 Factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation

○ Chronic diseases, comorbidities,

○ Nutrition and metabolic problems

○ Severity of illness

○ Sepsis

○ Unresolved respiratory causes of respiratory failure

○ Diaphragm weakness or dysfunction

○ Imbalance between work of breathing and respiratory muscle reserve

○ Tracheo-bronchial obstruction

○ Ineffective cough and secretion retention

○ Ventilator associated pneumonia, infection

○ Length and modalities of mechanical ventilation

○ Tracheostomy

○ Sedation

○ Lack of early mobilizatio

○ Sleep deprivation

○ Anxiety/Depression

○ Protocols

○ Staffing, (number and professionals)

○ Personnel training