Efficacy of Ultrasound guided Extra-Vascular Lung Water Index measurement in predicting duration of mechanical ventilation in critical care unit - A Prospective observational study

Extravascular lung water is the fluid in the lung situated outside its vascular compartment which is influenced by hydrostatic pressure and capillary permeability. Intravenous fluid is the mainstay of resuscitation in a critically ill patient and its overuse culminates in fluid overload manifesting in the form of EVLW. This is clinically associated with pulmonary edema. The increase in lung water content further impairs lung function which is essential for oxygenation. Studies have shown that the reduction of EVLW results in a favorable change in outcome. This study is designed to determine the EVLW and its effect on duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients.