Prosthodontic Approach in Management of Prolonged Neonatal Intubation

Intubation is a routine intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for preterm neonates with respiratory distress, inadequate gag reflex, poor sucking and swallowing. Prolonged intubation in neonates can be done by nasal or oral route. Although naso-tracheal intubation may reduce movement of the tube, it may contribute to airway obstruction, possible hypoxia, and occlusion of the nasal aperture during a crucial period of development further contributing to laboured breathing. Being obligate nasal breathers, oro-tracheal route is the preferred method of intubation in premature infants as oral mucosa is less susceptible to damage than nasal mucosa. Ineffective stabilization of the tubes is a frequent problem often resulting in accidental extubation and displacement of orotracheal and orogastric tube. Hence, these tubes must be stabilized against displacement from tongue and jaw movements to prevent discomfort and subsequent tissue trauma. Complications of prolonged endotracheal intubation include palatal groove formation by pressure against the hard palate, infection, accidental extubation, malposition, laryngeal or tracheal edema and ulceration, tracheal stenosis, vocal cord injury. Various oral appliances are used for infants to stabilize the tubes and prevent complications associated with long term intubation. This case report describes a prosthodontic approach in management of prolonged neonatal intubation.