Thursday November 17, 2005
Unplanned extubations - decrease mortality !

Interesting study published in chest (august 2005) of 100 patients (compared to controlled group) who experienced unplanned extubation but did not require reintubation. They were found to have decrease mortality and remarkably good outcomes despite longer hospital and ICU stay.

Lesson learned: we are keeping our patients intubated longer than needed !!

References: click to get abstract/article
1. The Drive to Survive - Unplanned Extubation in the ICU - From the Critical Care Unit (Dr. Krinsley), Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT; and Department of Surgery (Dr. Barone), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.