Endotracheal and upper airways suctioning: changes in newborns' physiological parameters

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Pediatric Physiology

Background:

• Endotracheal and upper airway suctioning are common procedures in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
• Understanding the physiological impact of suctioning on vulnerable newborns is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in physiological parameters (respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse, oxygen saturation) in newborns undergoing endotracheal and upper airway suctioning.
• To assess these changes immediately before, immediately after, and five minutes post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, longitudinal, before-and-after study design was employed.
• The study included 104 newborns requiring suctioning while on oxygen therapy in a NICU.
• Physiological parameters were monitored in neonates receiving oxygen therapy via Oxyhood, nasal CPAP, or Mechanical Ventilation.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in respiratory and heart rates were observed in neonates using Oxyhood and nasal CPAP (p<0.05).
• Pulse significantly changed in newborns on Oxyhood, nasal CPAP, and Mechanical Ventilation (p<0.05).
• Oxygen saturation was the only parameter that did not show significant alteration.

Conclusions:

• Endotracheal and upper airway suctioning leads to significant physiological changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, and pulse in NICU newborns.
• Oxygen saturation remained stable during and after the procedure.
• Development of non-pharmacological interventions by nurses is recommended to minimize procedural stress and physiological alterations in newborns.