Factors influencing acquired upper airway obstruction in newborn infants receiving assisted ventilation because of respiratory failure: an overview.

A critical review of published English literature was undertaken to identify the risk factors for the development of upper airway obstruction in the neonate after intubation for ventilatory support. An English-language computerized search (MEDLINE database from 1966 forward) was done to identify relevant studies; in addition, the reference list of retrieved articles was reviewed to ensure completeness of the search. Papers that presented original data on the risk factors for the development of postintubation upper airway obstruction were included. The inconsistency in defining the population being studied and the lack of a standard definition and method for reporting severity of subglottic stenosis make it difficult to interpret the risk factors associated with subglottic stenosis, and its incidence among various institutions cannot be compared. Prematurity was the only risk factor that was identified in the published literature that one could reliably and consistently associate with the development of subglottic stenosis.