Postintubation hypotension in intensive care unit patients: A multicenter cohort study

To determine the incidence of postintubation hypotension (PIH) and associated outcomes in critically ill patients requiring endotracheal intubation.

Medical records were reviewed for 479 consecutive critically ill adult patients who required intubation by an intensive care unit (ICU) service at 1 of 4 academic tertiary care hospitals. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PIH. Secondary outcome measures included mortality, ICU length of stay, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and a composite end point consisting of overall mortality, ICU length of stay greater than 14 days, duration of mechanical ventilation longer than 7 days, and renal replacement therapy requirement.

Overall, the incidence of PIH among ICU patients requiring intubation was 46% (218/479 patients). On univariate analysis, patients who developed PIH had increased ICU mortality (37% PIH vs 28% no PIH, P = .049) and overall mortality (39% PIH vs 30% no PIH, P = .045). After adjusting for important risk factors, development of PIH was associated with the composite end point of major morbidity and mortality (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.07; P = .0017).

The development of PIH is common in ICU patients requiring emergency airway control and is associated with poor patient outcomes.