Definitive airway management after prehospital supraglottic rescue airway in pediatric trauma

Abstract

Supraglottic airway (SGA) use and outcomes in pediatric trauma are poorly understood. We compared outcomes between patients receiving prehospital SGA versus bag mask ventilation (BVM).We reviewed pediatric multisystem trauma patients (2005-2016), comparing SGA and BVM. Primary outcome was adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation. Additional measures included tracheostomy, mortality and abbreviated injury scores (AIS).Ninety patients were included (SGA, n=17 and BVM, n=73). SGA patients displayed increased median head AIS (5 [4-5] vs 2 [0-4], p=0.001) and facial AIS (1 [0-2] vs 0 [0-0], p=0.03). SGA indications were multiple failed intubation attempts (n=12) and multiple failed attempts with poor visualization (n=5). Median intubation attempts were 2 [1-3] whereas BVM patients had none. Compared to BVM, SGA patients demonstrated inadequate oxygenation/ventilation (75% vs 41%), increased tracheostomy rates (31% vs 8.1%), and increased 24-h (38% vs 10.8%) and overall mortality (75% vs 14%) (all p<0.05).Escalating intubation attempts and severe facial AIS were associated with tracheostomy. Inadequacy of oxygenation/ventilation was more frequent in SGA compared to BVM patients. SGA patients demonstrate poor clinical outcomes; however, SGAs may be necessary in increased craniofacial injury patterns. These factors may be incorporated into a management algorithm to improve definitive airway management after SGA.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.10.004

View details for Web of Science ID 000425899500038

View details for PubMedID 29096887