POSTTRAUMATIC DISTRESS IN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AFTER INTUBATION

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are seen in childre n who have experienced significant trauma. Respiratory arrest with sub sequent intubation can be associated with terror, helplessness, and th e threat of death. Methods: Three case reports are presented where eme rgency intubation was followed by symptoms of psychologic distress in the intubated child and his or her family members. Results: Although t he medical literature documents posttraumatic distress symptoms after other medical procedures, this is the first account of symptoms follow ing intubation, Children and other family members were found to have s ymptoms of reexperiencing the traumatic event, avoidance of thoughts o r feelings related to the intubation, and hyperarousal. Issues around diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Conclusions: Children with a hi story of emergency intubation should be evaluated for possible posttra umatic stress disorder symptoms.