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Prognostic factors in laryngotracheal injury following intubation and/or tracheotomy in ICU patients

  • Laryngology
  • Published:
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of laryngotracheal injuries following intubation and/or tracheotomy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and to analyze their prognostic factors. This prospective study includes the clinical data and endoscopic exploration of 654 ICU patients who underwent oro-tracheal intubation between September 1992 and February 1999. The prognostic factors for upper airway injuries were analyzed using a multivariate statistical study. Endoscopic exploration of the upper airway 6 to 12 months after extubation revealed laryngotracheal injuries in 30 of the 280 patients examined (11%). The most important factors influencing the development of laryngotracheal lesions were the duration of the oro-tracheal intubation and the length of time in the ICU. Patients at high risk of developing injuries were those with pathological background, a non-neurological or non-surgical (medical) admission or upper-airway injuries at an early stage. The length of oro-tracheal intubation is the most important factor in the development of laryngotracheal injuries. Consequently, it is essential to establish a time limit to perform tracheotomy in ICU patients. Such timing should be adapted to each patient and pathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, Hospital General de Catalunya, Carrer Gomera s/n. 08190, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain

    E. Esteller-Moré, E. Matiñó & J. M. Ademà

  2. Intensive Care Unit, Hospital General de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain

    J. Ibañez & M. Nolla

  3. ENT Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

    I. M. Quer

Authors
  1. E. Esteller-Moré
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  2. J. Ibañez
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  3. E. Matiñó
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  4. J. M. Ademà
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  5. M. Nolla
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  6. I. M. Quer
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Correspondence to E. Esteller-Moré.

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Esteller-Moré, E., Ibañez, J., Matiñó, E. et al. Prognostic factors in laryngotracheal injury following intubation and/or tracheotomy in ICU patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 262, 880–883 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-005-0929-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-005-0929-y

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