[Morphologic trachea alterations in intubated patients in function of intubation time]

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Pathology
• Intensive Care Medicine

Context:

• Mechanical ventilation is a critical life support intervention in intensive care units.
• Endotracheal intubation, while necessary, carries risks of airway complications.
• High-residual volume, low-pressure cuffs are commonly used to minimize tracheal injury.

Purpose:

• To describe morphologic alterations in the trachea of mechanically ventilated patients.
• To investigate the relationship between endotracheal intubation duration and tracheal damage.
• To analyze cuff pressure relative to tracheal capillary pressure (20-30 mmHg).

Summary:

• A descriptive analytic study examined 23 adult intensive care unit patients who died after 27-317 hours of mechanical ventilation.
• Necropsy revealed morphologic alterations limited to the tracheal mucous membrane, specifically the epithelium and lamina propria.
• Intubation duration was identified as a key factor exacerbating tracheal wall injuries.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the risk of tracheal mucosal injury associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation.
• Results emphasize the importance of monitoring intubation duration to mitigate airway complications.
• This study contributes to understanding the histopathological consequences of endotracheal intubation in critical care settings.