Endotracheal Tube Placement in Neonatal Intubation

Is Nasal Septum-tragus Length Safe in Neonatal Endotracheal Intubation?

Endotracheal intubation is a frequent procedure performed in neonates with respiratory distress. Clinicians use different methods to estimate the intubation insertion depth.

In this study, the investigators aimed to compare the two different methods (kilogram + 6 cm and nasal septum-tragus length (NTL) + 1 cm) used to determine the endotracheal intubation insertion depth.

Endotracheal intubation is a frequent procedure performed in neonates with respiratory distress. The ideal location of the tube is between the top of the 1st thoracic vertebra and the bottom of the 2nd thoracic vertebra in the X-ray. Clinicians use different methods to estimate the intubation insertion depth.

In this study, investigators aimed to compare the two different methods (kilogram+6 cm and nasal septum-tragus length (NTL)+ 1 cm) used to determine the endotracheal intubation insertion depth.

In this multicentre randomized prospective study, infants who had intubation indications in neonatal intensive care unit will be enrolled. The intubation tube will be fixed at the lip level using the Tochen formula (Group 1) or the NTL+1 cm formula (Group 2). The same brand endotracheal tubes will be used and after intubation the chest radiograph will be performed in the neutral position. Chest X-ray will be evaluated blindly by a single radiologist in the digital environment (above T1, in place and below T2).

Inclusion Criteria:.

• Infants who had intubation indications (cardiopulmonary failure, respiratory distress or surfactant administration) in the neonatal intensive care unit

Exclusion Criteria:

• Craniofacial, vertebral and genetic anomalies
• Those whose parents decline consent