[Radiographic assessment of accuracy of tracheal tube placement in children].

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Academic Journal

Nowicka M; Zakład Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Opieki Pielegniarskiej Slaskiego UM w Katowicach. monika.nowicka@gmail.com
Kurczabińska-Luboń D
Stołtny L
Luboń D
Gój K

Anestezjologia intensywna terapia [Anestezjol Intens Ter] 2008 Apr-Jun; Vol. 40 (2), pp. 70-4.

Polish

Background: Accidental migration of endotracheal tubes has been recognized by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) as an important morbidity factor in ventilated children. Several equations have been proposed for prediction of the ideal position of the endotracheal tube, but none of them was found to be ideal.
Methods: We have retrospectively assessed the positions of endotracheal tubes in 108 intubated children. Infants were nasally intubated and oral intubation was used in older children. We compared the measured distances with theoretical lengths, obtained from various equations.
Results: We found that if the tube was placed according to the Lau equation (age/2+13 mm) or the ALS group equation (age/2+12 mm), the estimation was correct in 83% (Lau equation) and in 94.7% (ALS recommendations).
Conclusion: Since results depended very much on the age and route of intubation, we suggest that extended studies may be recommended.