Post extubation laryngitis

Abstract

Post extubation laryngeal oedema (PLO) is a serious and early complication in paedriatric intensive care units patients after extubation from invasive mechanical ventilation. Its frequency varies from 1% to 48% and is the cause of reintubation in approximately 20% of cases. Considering this high incidence it seems appropriate to review this topic with the aim of a better understanding of the physiopathological events, predictive elements of this complication and to make a critical analysis of the available therapies. The information was obtained from traditional and electronic means (MEDLINE; COCHRANE LIBRARY, others). From the data we concluded that the rate of PLO is related to intubation time, patient age and complexity of the underlying pathology. The endotracheal tube, a critical element, has so far not reached an optimum level of development. The research of new therapeutic approaches continues with the goal of reducing the incidence of PLO and reintubation. In this sense, non-invasiveCPAP ventilation offers a hopeful panorama.