Evaluation of tracheal intubations in a paediatric intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal intubation is a frequent procedure in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) that carries a risk of complications that can increase morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study in patients intubated in a level III PICU between January and December 2020. We analysed the risk factors associated with failed intubation and adverse events. RESULTS: The analysis included 48 intubations. The most frequent indication for intubation was hypoxaemic respiratory failure (25%). The first attempt was successful in 60.4% of intubations, without differences between procedures performed by staff physicians and resident physicians (62.5% vs 56.3%; P = .759). Difficulty in bag-mask ventilation was associated with failed intubation in the first attempt (P = .028). Adverse events occurred in 12.5% of intubations, and severe events in 8.3%, including 1 case of cardiac arrest, 2 cases of severe hypotension and 1 of oesophageal intubation with delayed recognition. None of the patients died. Making multiple attempts was significantly associated with adverse events (P < .002). Systematic preparation of the procedure with cognitive aids and role allocation was independently associated with a lower incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill children, first-attempt intubation failure is common and associated with difficulty in bag-mask ventilation. A significant percentage of intubations may result in serious adverse events. The implementation of intubation protocols could decrease the incidence of adverse events.

Evaluación de las intubaciones endotraqueales en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Evaluation of tracheal intubations in a paediatric intensive care unit

Introducción: La intubación traqueal es un procedimiento frecuente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos con riesgo de complicaciones que pueden aumentar la morbimortalidad. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y analítico de una cohorte prospectiva que incluye a los pacientes intubados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de tercer nivel entre enero y diciembre de 2020, analizando los factores asociados con el fracaso de intubación y los efectos adversos. Resultados: Se analizaron 48 intubaciones. La indicación más frecuente fue el fallo respiratorio hipoxémico (25%). El primer intento de intubación fue exitoso en el 60,4%, sin diferencias entre los médicos adjuntos y los residentes (62,5 vs. 56,3%; p=0,759). La dificultad en la ventilación con bolsa y mascarilla se asoció con el fracaso del primer intento de intubación (p=0,028). Se objetivaron eventos adversos en un 12,5% de las intubaciones, siendo graves en un 8,3% de los casos, incluyendo una parada cardiorrespiratoria, 2 casos de hipotensión grave y una intubación esofágica detectada de forma tardía. Ninguno de los pacientes falleció. Los intentos múltiples de intubación se asociaron significativamente con la aparición de eventos adversos (p<0,002). La preparación sistemática del procedimiento con ayudas cognitivas y asignación de los papeles del equipo se relacionó de forma independiente con un menor número de eventos adversos. Conclusiones: El éxito en el primer intento de intubación en niños en estado crítico es bajo y se relaciona con la dificultad de ventilación con bolsa y mascarilla. En un porcentaje significativo pueden presentar efectos adversos graves. La utilización de protocolos puede disminuir el número de eventos adversos. (AU)

Introduction: Tracheal intubation is a frequent procedure in paediatric intensive care units that carries a risk of complications that can increase morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study in patients intubated in a level iii paediatric intensive care unit between January and December 2020. We analysed the risk factors associated with failed intubation and adverse events. Results: The analysis included 48 intubations. The most frequent indication for intubation was hypoxaemic respiratory failure (25%). The first attempt was successful in 60.4% of intubations, without differences between procedures performed by staff physicians and resident physicians (62.5 vs. 56.3%; P=.759). Difficulty in bag-mask ventilation was associated with failed intubation in the first attempt (P=.028). Adverse events occurred in 12.5% of intubations, and severe events in 8.3%, including one case of cardiac arrest, 2 cases of severe hypotension and one of oesophageal intubation with delayed recognition. None of the patients died. Making multiple attempts was significantly associated with adverse events (P<.002). Systematic preparation of the procedure with cognitive aids and role allocation was independently associated with a lower incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: In critically ill children, first-attempt intubation failure is common and associated with difficulty in bag-mask ventilation. A significant percentage of intubations may result in serious adverse events. The implementation of intubation protocols could decrease the incidence of adverse events. (AU)