[Complications of difficult tracheal intubations in a critical care unit]

Abstract

Objectives: This study was performed in order to evaluate the frequency of DI, the predictive factors of DI and to list the related complications.

Study design: Prospective non randomized, open study.

Patients and methods: All patients intubated in the critical care unit during the five months of the study were included. The previous history and clinical setting of the patients, the conditions and the complications of intubation were collected. DI was defined when the procedure required more than two laryngoscopies.

Results: The study included 80 patients. The rate of DI was 22.5%. The Mallampati score (p < 0.001) was the only predictive factor. The frequency of complications was 25%. This rate was 55% for DI versus 16% for easy intubations (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study confirms the high incidence of DI and associated complications in critical care. We suggest the development of airway management protocols in critical care unit in order to reduce the rate of DI.