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Impact of premedication on neonatal intubations by pediatric and neonatal trainees

Journal of Perinatology volume 34, pages 458–460 (2014)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To determine if premedication and training level affect the success rates of neonatal intubations.

Study Design:

We retrospectively reviewed a hospital-approved neonatal intubation database from 2003 to 2010. Intubation success rate was defined as the number of successful intubations divided by the total number of attempts, and then compared by trainee’s experience level and the use of premedication. Premedication regimen included anticholinergic, analgesic and muscle relaxant agents.

Result:

There were 169 trainees who completed 1071 successful intubations with 2694 attempts. The median success rate was 36% by all trainees, and improved with training level from 29% for pediatric trainees to 50% for neonatal trainees (P<0.001). Premedication was used in 58% of intubation attempts. The median success rate was double with premedication (43% versus 22%, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Neonatal endotracheal intubation is a challenge for trainees. Intubation success rates progressively improve with experience. Premedication is associated with improved success rates for all training levels.

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Acknowledgements

This manuscript was first drafted by Dr Crystal Le and reviewed/edited by the coauthors who uniformly approved for submission to The Journal of Perinatology. No funding was needed for this study. There was no honorarium, grant, or any other form of payment given to anyone to produce this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    C N Le, D M Garey, J K Goodmar, W Rich & N N Finer

  2. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

    T A Leone

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  1. C N Le
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  2. D M Garey
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  3. T A Leone
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  4. J K Goodmar
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  6. N N Finer
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Correspondence to C N Le.

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Le, C., Garey, D., Leone, T. et al. Impact of premedication on neonatal intubations by pediatric and neonatal trainees. J Perinatol 34, 458–460 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.32

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