Rapid Shallow Breathing Index

The Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI, Engl. ) Or frequency-volume breathing index is a measurement value describing the ratio of the depth to the frequency of breaths by the quotient of respiratory rate to tidal volume forms. The faster and shallower the breathing , the greater the value . It is used to assess the respiratory function when it comes to the question of whether a patient needs to be intubated and artificially ventilated .

The RSBI is used particularly often to assess how good the spontaneous breathing is of a patient who is to be weaned from the ventilator after a period of mechanical ventilation ( weaning ). However, individual measurements do not allow precise predictions to be made as to whether an extubation will be successful. Much more reliable values are provided by continuous measurements and the RSBI rate, which determines how often the patient's breathing values change when he is disconnected from the ventilator and breathing completely independently.

Sample calculation

RSBI = f / VT

z. B. 45 breaths / min and tidal volume 250 ml

RSBI = 45 / 0,25 l = 180

With an RSBI> 120, intubation is questionably avoidable or extubation does not make sense.

Individual evidence

↑ Nilius, G. et al. (2007): Continuous measurements of the Rapid shallow breathing Index (RSBI) in spontaneous breathing attempts in the weaning process. Pulmonology; 61, V227-260 doi : 10.1055 / s-2007-973369
↑ Segal LN, Fiel SB, Ruggiero S, et al. (2006): Use of the rate of change of the RSBI during spontaneous breathing trial as an accurate predictor of weaning outcome. Presentation at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's 35th Critical Care Congress; January 10; San Francisco, California online ( January 8, 2011 memento on the Internet Archive )

[1] Nilius, G. et al. (2007): Continuous measurements of the Rapid shallow breathing Index (RSBI) in spontaneous breathing attempts in the weaning process. Pulmonology; 61, V227-260 doi : 10.1055 / s-2007-973369

[2] Segal LN, Fiel SB, Ruggiero S, et al. (2006): Use of the rate of change of the RSBI during spontaneous breathing trial as an accurate predictor of weaning outcome. Presentation at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's 35th Critical Care Congress; January 10; San Francisco, California online ( January 8, 2011 memento on the Internet Archive )