METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed in adult patients supported by
mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours in the general intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. Patients
ready for weaning were randomly assigned to either the SBT group (extubation with an SBT) or the no-SBT
group (extubation without an SBT). Patients in the SBT group who tolerated SBT underwent immediate extubation.
Patients in the no-SBT group who met the weaning readiness criteria underwent extubation without an
SBT. The primary outcome measure was a successful extubation or the ability to maintain spontaneous
breathing for 48 hours after extubation.