Introduction:

Prophylactic Orotracheal Intubation (OTI) in patients with suspected Inhalation Injury (II) is a widespread clinical practice in our country. It can be associated with complications and increased healthcare costs.

Objective:

To characterize the population of patients admitted with OTI to the National Burn Center, determine the incidence of unnecessary Orotracheal Intubation (UOTI), and the associated complications.

Method:

Retrospective, observational, analytical study. All patients with thermal burns admitted to the National Burn Center (CENAQUE) with an artificial airway between January 2015 and July 2023 were included. Demographic characteristics, injury circumstances, location, and technician performing the OTI, percentage of total body surface area burned (TBSA), severity scores, days on mechanical ventilation, discharge status, and diagnosis of II by fibrobronchoscopy were determined. Complications associated with OTI and mechanical ventilation were analyzed. These variables were compared between the group extubated successfully within the first 48 hours (UOTI) and those extubated after 48 hours (necessary OTI, NOTI).

Results:

562 patients were included. The incidence of UOTI was 41,7% and II 46,7%. Significant differences were observed between UOTI and NOTI in age [34 (24-48) versus 45 (30-62); p <0.001], TBSA [4% (1-11) versus 20% (6-36); p <0,001], ABSI [4 (3-5) versus 7 (5-9) p<0,001], Baux score [48 (33-62) versus 77 (60-99), p <0,001], incidence of II (32% versus 56.6%, p <0,001). Aspiration of the airway (30% versus 20,2% p 0,018), extubation during transport (2% versus 0% p 0,043), and incidence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) and early ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (56,3% versus 15% p <0,001) were higher in the NOTI group.

Conclusions:

UOTI in burn patients is frequent in our setting and is associated with complications. It is performed by physicians without training in airway management.

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