Variables Predicting Reintubation After Thymectomy in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
Variables Predicting Reintubation After Thymectomy in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by muscle weakness and
 fatigue. The role of the thymus in MG has been suggested by the evidence that 10% to 15% of
 patients present with a thymoma and at least 60% with thymus hyperplasia or
 dysplasia.Beneficial effects of thymectomy in patients with MG have been described in 40% to
 90%.Few studies have looked at the incidence of reintubation (not just within 24 hours after
 extubation), the factors associated with reintubation, and patient outcome.

 Premature extubation may lead to hypercarbia, hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, right heart
 failure, and myocardial ischemia. Additionally, it subjects the patient to the physical risks
 of reintubation, including esophageal intubation, laryngeal trauma, and pulmonary aspiration.
 The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of reintubation, the
 variables associated with reintubation, and patient outcome
Inclusion was based on the availability of all the following possible predictive
 pre-operative variables: age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, diabetes, creatinine,
 duration of MG, severity of MG (based on Osserman's classification), pathological type of MG,
 history of myasthenic crisis, dose of pyridostigmine, use of a steroid hormone, and use of an
 immunosuppressant.operative variables: postoperative pulmonary infection, total duration of
 hospital stay, duration of ICU stay, and duration of postoperative hospital stay. Variables
 were collected by research assistants and maintained in a computer database.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  younger than 75 years

 -  absence of heart failure as the primary indication for mechanical ventilation •Acute
 Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score less than 12 points on day
 of extubation

 -  body mass index less than 30

 Exclusion Criteria:

 •preoperative moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease