Table 3.
Reported causes, associated adverse events, and respiratory interventions after unplanned extubations
| Reported causes of unplanned extubationa | n (%) |
| Dislodged by the patient | 32 (40) |
| Dislodged during retaping | 22 (27) |
| Dislodged during movement by member of the health care team | 12 (15) |
| Tape became soiled | 9 (11) |
| Removed during a code situation | 2 (2) |
| ETT plugged by mucus or blood | 2 (2) |
| Otherb | 2 (2) |
| Associated adverse events | n (%) |
| Reintubation within 24 h | 81 (69) |
| Bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm for >5 s) | 38 (32) |
| Chest compressions | 7 (6) |
| Bolus epinephrine | 3 (3) |
| Lowest recorded oxygen saturation, median [IQR]c | 31 [9,60] |
| Respiratory support immediately after unplanned extubation | n (%) |
| Immediate reintubation | 68 (58) |
| CPAPd | 23 (20) |
| High-flow nasal cannulae | 18 (15) |
| Room air (no respiratory support) | 6 (5) |
| Low-flow nasal cannula | 2 (2) |
Abbreviations: bpm, beats per minute; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; ETT, endotracheal tube; IQR, interquartile range.
a
Available for 81 extubations.
b
Tube dislodged during ETT suctioning; ventilator tubing was unsupported.
c
Available for 73 extubations.
d
Eight infants were reintubated within 24 hours.
e
Five infants were reintubated within 24 hours.