Complications of airway intrusion in 100 consecutive cases in a pediatric ICU.

One-hundred consecutive patients who underwent orotracheal intubation (OT), nasotracheal intubation (NT), or tracheostomy in the pediatric ICU were evaluated for complications of these airway invasions. Twelve patients had major complications as a result of airway intervention. The mortality for patients requiring mechanical ventilation was 17% as compared with a total overall mortality of 8.3% for patients in the pediatric ICU. Major complications occurred in 10% of patients who had orotracheal intubation, in 11% of patients who had nasotracheal intubations, and in 26% of patients subjected to tracheostomy. Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) was the primary diagnosis associated with the highest rate of complications. An association was found between the occurrence of seizures or hypoperfusion state (shock) while intubated and the occurrence of major complications of airway intrusion. Acquired infections of the respiratory tract with Hemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Candida albicans were also associated with a high rate of complications.