Pulmonology

Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI)

Predicts the success of weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Parameters

breaths/min
mL

Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) Result

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FormulaRSBI = Respiratory Rate (breaths/min) / Tidal Volume (Liters)

Clinical Pearls

Provides a simple, bedside objective measurement to help decide if a patient is ready to be liberated from the ventilator.

Limitations

Must be measured during spontaneous breathing (e.g., on T-piece or CPAP with zero pressure support) to be accurate. Less accurate in prolonged mechanical ventilation (>8 days).