RT Journal
A1 Hedden M, Ersoz C, Donnelly WH, Safar P
T1 LAryngotracheal damage after prolonged use of orotracheal tubes in adults
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1969
FD January 27
VO 207
IS 4
SP 703
OP 708
DO 10.1001/jama.1969.03150170029005
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1969.03150170029005
AB Laryngotracheal damage after prolonged retention of orotracheal tubes (one to ten days) in adults was reviewed in 116 unselected patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Among the 59 survivors, all patients who had the tube in place for more than 48 hours had temporary difficulties with orally taken fluids for several hours after extubation. In two of five survivors having the tube in place for more than 72 hours, hoarseness (two patients) and aspiration (one patient) were irreversible. In 27 of 57 patients who died, the larynges and tracheas were examined and scored postmortem for lesions. Scores increased with duration of intubation. Retention of tracheal tubes for less than 72 hours was rarely followed by serious lesions. Six of seven patients who had the tube in place for more than 72 hours showed high scores.