Preoperative neurologic comorbidity and unanticipated early postoperative reintubation: a multicentre cohort study

The risk of respiratory complications is highest in the first 72 h post-surgery. Postoperative respiratory events can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory compromise and lead to reintubation of the trachea, particularly in patients with neurologic disorders. This study examined the association between neurologic comorbidities and unanticipated early postoperative reintubation in children.

This multicentre, 1:1 propensity score-matched study included 420 096 children who underwent inpatient, elective, noncardiac surgery at National Surgical Quality Improvement Program reporting hospitals in 2012-22. The primary outcome was unanticipated early postoperative reintubation within 72 h after surgery. The secondary outcome was prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation, defined as ventilator use >72 h. We also evaluated 30-day mortality in patients requiring reintubation.

Cerebral palsy was associated with the highest risk of early reintubation (adjusted relative risk [RRadj]: 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-2.69; P<0.01), followed by seizure disorders (RRadj: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.50-2.34; P<0.01), neuromuscular disorders (RRadj: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.41-2.19; P<0.01), and structural central nervous system abnormalities (RRadj: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.61; P<0.01). Unanticipated early postoperative reintubation was associated with an eight-times increased risk of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 8.1, 95% CI: 6.0-11.1; P<0.01). Risk of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation was also increased with neurologic comorbidities, particularly seizure disorders (RRadj: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.55-1.93; P<0.01).

Children with neurologic comorbidities have an increased risk of unanticipated early postoperative reintubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Given the high mortality risk associated with these outcomes, children with neurologic comorbidities require heightened monitoring and risk assessment.