Treatment Interference in Critically Ill Patients: An Update on Unplanned Extubation:

Unplanned extubation in pediatric critically ill patients: a systematic review and best practice recommendations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to update the state of knowledge of unplanned extubations in the pediatric population. The main topics addressed in the current literature on unplanned extubations were: 1) incidence; 2) risk factors; 3) risk factors for reintubation after unplanned extubations; and 4) strategies to prevent unplanned extubations. Based on this review we summarize and propose best practices in preventing unplanned extubations.

DATA SOURCE

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases were searched for bibliography for the period spanning from January 1966 to March 2009. We used the following key words: unplanned extubation, accidental extubation, self extubation, unintentional extubation, unexpected extubation, inadvertent extubation, spontaneous extubation, and treatment interference.

STUDY SELECTION

Eleven pediatric articles were eligible for data abstraction. Study quality was assessed using four levels of aggregate evidence adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Unplanned extubations occurs at a rate of 0.11 to 2.27 events per 100 intubation days. Risk factors associated with unplanned extubations were age (younger patients), inadequate tube fixation, agitation, copious secretions, performance of patient procedures, and nursing workload. Reintubation rates ranged from 14% to 65% of unplanned extubations. Three cohort studies evaluated the effectiveness of strategies in reducing unplanned extubations. One study reported the institution of a standardized algorithm of goal-directed sedation, whereas two studies evaluated the implementation of a continuous quality-improvement program. These studies reported significant reductions in unplanned extubations rate after program implementation. Methods of securing the endotracheal tube varied across studies and the use of physical restraints yielded conflicting findings.

CONCLUSIONS

There are few studies assessing unplanned extubations in pediatric intensive care units. The available quality studies have shown that improvement of quality components is effective in reducing unplanned extubations. Although further rigorous studies are needed to establish strong recommendations on unplanned extubations prevention, we present a summary of recommendations based on review of the current literature.

Influence of Physical Restraint on Unplanned Extubation of Adult Intensive Care Patients: A Case-Control Study

Background Unplanned extubation commonly occurs in intensive care units. Various physical restraints have been used to prevent patients from removing their endotracheal tubes. However, physical restraint not only does not consistently prevent injury but also may be a safety hazard to patients.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of physical restraint on unplanned extubation in adult intensive care patients.

Methods A total of 100 patients with unplanned extubations and 200 age-, sex-, and diagnosis-matched controls with no record of unplanned extubation were included in this case-control study. The 300 participants were selected from a population of 1455 patients receiving mechanical ventilation during a 21-month period in an adult intensive care unit at a medical center in Taiwan. Data were collected by reviewing medical records and incident reports of unplanned extubation.

Results The incidence rate of unplanned extubation was 8.7%. Factors associated with increased risk for unplanned extubation included use of physical restraints (increased risk, 3.11 times), nosocomial infection (increased risk, 2.02 times), and a score of 9 or greater on the Glasgow Coma Scale on admission to the unit (increased risk, 1.98 times). Episodes of unplanned extubation also were associated with longer stays in the unit.

Conclusions An impaired level of consciousness on admission to the intensive care unit and the presence of nosocomial infection intensify the risk for unplanned extubation, even when physical restraints are used. To minimize the risk of unplanned extubation, nurses must establish better standards for using restraints.