Physiologic changes associated with endotracheal intubation in preterm infants

Crit Care Med. 1984 Jun;12(6):501-3. doi: 10.1097/00003246-198406000-00006.

Abstract

Physiologic changes associated with endotracheal intubation were examined in 10 preterm infants. Laryngoscopy was associated with apnea and minor abnormalities in cardiac rhythm in 2 infants. Three infants had nasal airflow recordings which demonstrated obstructed breaths during laryngoscopy. Systolic blood pressure (BP) increased 47% when the trachea was intubated, whereas heart rate and transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) decreased. Because endotracheal intubation is a physiologically stressful procedure, personnel who intubate preterm infants must be skilled and experienced to minimize the duration of laryngoscopy and the number of intubation attempts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Bradycardia / etiology
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / therapy*
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
  • Oxygen / blood

Substances

  • Oxygen