Introduction
Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) is a routine nursing procedure used to decrease pulmonary complications; however, in severe head-injured patients it can result in a sudden increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) and may put the patient at risk for further cerebral damage [1-3]. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ETS on ICP in severe head-injured patients.
Methods
Twenty-one patients with acute severe head injury (Glasgow coma score ≤ 8, range 4 to 8) were studied. Each subject received four passes of insertion of a standardized suction catheter and application of negative pressure limited to 10 to 15 seconds in each procedure of suctioning. The ETS procedure consisted of administration of 16 breaths at 135% of the patients' tidal volume, 100% FIO2 before and after suctioning with a standardized catheter (16 French) and duration between 10 and 15 seconds. A repeated-measures model for ANOVA was used to examine the changes in mean ICP 1 min before and during the first, second, third and fourth passes of catheter insertion.
Results
ICP significantly increased during suctioning (P < 0.001). The change in ICP was significantly greater in the fourth pass of catheter insertion than in other passes.
Conclusion
Changes in ICP induced by ETS in severe head-injured patients are significant. Suction passes should be limited to two to three per procedure. Repeated suctioning may increase ICP.
References
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