Use of cuffed endotracheal tubes in infants less than 5 kilograms: A retrospective cohort study
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective cohort study of 1,162 infants weighing 2-5 kg found that cuffed endotracheal tubes reduced the need for multiple laryngoscopies and tube size changes compared to uncuffed tubes, with no increase in postoperative airway complications like stridor. The findings support the safety and efficacy of cuffed ETTs in this vulnerable population.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
Improved understanding of airway anatomy and refinement of equipment have led to the increased use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in infants and children. Despite expanded evidence on the potential advantages of cuffed ETTs in pediatric patients, there remains limited data on their use in infants less than 5 kilograms (kg). The current study retrospectively evaluates the perioperative use of cuffed ETTs in infants weighing 2–5 kg.
Methods
This is a retrospective study from a tertiary care children's hospital involving a 3-year period. Data regarding anesthetic care, airway management, and postoperative course were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical record.
Results
The study cohort included 1162 patients, 1086 of whom had their tracheas intubated with a cuffed ETT and 76 with an uncuffed ETT. Patients were divided into two groups for analysis: 2 to <3 kg and 3 to 5 kg. In both weight groups, cuffed ETTs resulted in a decreased need for more than one laryngoscopy and a change in ETT size with no increase in postoperative airway effects including stridor.
Conclusions
These data provide additional information regarding the efficacy and safety of cuffed ETTs in neonates and infants.