ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the efficacy of tracheotomy and nasal intubation in airways management in treatment of patients with respiratory failure caused by severe tetanus.Methods:A respective case series study was conducted to analyze the data of 92 patients with respiratory failure caused by severe tetanus admitted to Jiangxi Chest Hospital from January 2012 to December 2019. There were 60 males and 32 females, aged 23-81 years [(47.5±14.1)years]. Overall 43 patients underwent tracheotomy (tracheotomy group), and 49 patients underwent nasal intubation (nasal intubation group). The blood gas related indexes (PaO 2, PaCO 2), catheter retention time, incidence of complications such as airway bleeding, nasosinusitis, catheter blockage and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and clinical outcome were compared between the two groups. Results:After mechanical ventilation, the PaO 2 and PaCO 2 in both groups were significantly improved ( P<0.01), with no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). Both groups were similar regarding the catheter indwelling time, catheter blockage, airway bleeding and nasosinusitis ( P>0.05). The incidences of VAP and catheter blockage after extubation in tracheotomy group [12%(5/43), 12%(5/43)] were significantly different from those in nasal intubation group [0%(0/49), 31%(15/49)] ( P<0.05). There were 3 deaths in each group, with the mortality rate of 7% (3/43) in tracheotomy group and of 6% (3/49) in nasal intubation group ( P>0.05). Both groups of live tetanus patients were cured. After 3-month follow-up, the tetanus was cured in the two groups. Conclusions:The tracheotomy and transnasal tracheal intubation are optional for severe tetanus patients with respiratory failure. The former has airway and tissue trauma, but it is convenient for mechanical ventilation management, especially indicated for patients with severe convulsions, angular arch reflexes, poor sedation, and continuous application of muscle relaxants. Nasal intubation is relatively non-invasive, simple and fast method, but the prevention and monitoring of VAP requires higher requirements.