[Bronchoscopies in neonatal intensive care units: safety and efficiency]

The aim of our study is to asses the risks and complications in bronchoscopies at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Between 1991 and 1999, we performed 142 bronchoscopies at the NICU. The mean age was 1.6 +/- 1.4 months (2 days-6 months) and mean weight was 2.5 +/- 1 kg (530 g-4.7 kg). We analysed the complications, arterial oxygen saturation and inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) during bronchoscopy and we compared them related to weight, type of anesthesia and type of bronchoscope used. Mean basal saturation was 92 +/- 8.9% and end saturation was 92.8 +/- 10%. The basal FiO2 was 0.5 +/- 0.3 (0.21-1). There were more complications in patients weighting less than 1500 g and in those procedures made with rigid bronchoscopy (p < 0.05). There were no differences according to the anesthesia. Children who weight fewer than 1500 g and those who underwent rigid bronchoscopy suffered a descent in arterial oxygen saturation and needed higher FiO2 (p < 0.05). Bronchoscopy is a very useful technique and it is well tolerated in neonatal patients. We conclude that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is safer than the rigid bronchoscopy, specially in children fewer under 1500 g.