Risk factors associated with symptoms of post-extubation upper airway obstruction in the emergency setting

Post-extubation stridor and hoarseness are important clinical manifestations that indicate laryngeal edema due to intubation. In previous studies the incidence of post-extubation stridor and hoarseness ranged from 1.5% to 26.3% in postoperative patients and patients in the intensive care unit. Female sex and prolonged intubation are reportedly risk factors for post-extubation stridor. However, the risk factors for post-extubation stridor and the appropriate endotracheal tube size in emergency settings remain unknown. This study was performed to identify the risk factors for post-extubation laryngeal edema after emergency intubation.

A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary emergency medical center/trauma center. The primary outcome was post-extubation stridor and hoarseness.

During the study period, 482 emergency intubations and 227 extubations were performed in adult patients. In total, 29% of the patients presented symptoms of stridor and/or hoarseness. Female sex (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-5.81) and the duration of intubation (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.32) were associated with stridor and/or hoarseness.

Patients who undergo emergency intubation have a higher risk of post-extubation upper airway obstruction symptoms than postoperative patients and patients in the intensive care unit, and female sex is associated with these symptoms.