Respiratory

Question 1

Why is the neonatal population at increased risk for unplanned extubations and what are potential consequences of UEs?

(December 2021)

Answer 1

Skin immaturity and humidified environment increases difficulty of securing ETT, narrower range of acceptable ETT depth, and sedation/analgesia meds limited because of safety and neurodevelopment concerns. Most likely consequences include increased time on the ventilator, increased pressure, increased FiO2 requirements, and increase in risk of BPD