RAPID ESTIMATION OF INSERTIONAL LENGTH OF ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN NEWBORN-INFANTS

Objective: To create a simple and accurate method of predicting the co rrect insertional length of endotracheal intubation during resuscitati on of neonates. Study Design: Phase I of the study enrolled infants th at required either orotracheal or nasotracheal intubations. The endotr acheal tube position was confirmed by auscultation and radiographic im ages. Three regression equations were then created using nasal-tragus length, sternal length, and birth weight on insertional length. In pha se II of the study, the modified regression equations of nasotracheal and sternal length were used to predict endotracheal tube insertional length in 50 infants (40 orotracheal and 10 nasotracheal). Results: Na sal-tragus length and sternal length are good parameters to estimate i nsertional length for endotracheal intubation (p < 0.005 for both the parameters). The modified prediction equation for insertional length o f the endotracheal tube for the orotracheal route is NTL or STL + 1. F or the nasotracheal route the equation is NTL or STL + 2. Conclusion: During resuscitation of the neonate when vital parameters are difficul t to obtain, the insertional length of endotracheal intubation can be quickly and accurately predicted by nasal-tragus length or sternal len gth.