Tracheal Length Measurement in Intubated Neonates to Guide the Design and Use of Endotracheal Tube Glottic Depth Markings.

ABSTRACT: Data on neonatal tracheal length are needed to inform the standardization of safety features for endotracheal tubes (ETTs) such as glottic depth markings. Laryngotracheal airway measurements are available from digital imaging in infants and children but not in neonates. We aimed to determine the tracheal length (TL) of intubated preterm and term neonates. An observational study was performed on 57 neonates of 22-42 weeks' gestation and <1 week of age. Two clinicians independently reviewed 153 digital chest radiographs to determine the carina position and TL. TL was measured from carina to mid-C4 (cricoid level). We analyzed interrater agreement (within 0.5 vertebral levels) on the position of the carina and TL. TL was plotted as a function of gestational age and weight, using graphical and

SUBMITTER: Cerone JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8870647 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature