BACKGROUND The efficacy of corticosteroids in reducing the incidence of postextubation laryngeal oedema is controversial. We aimed to test our hypothesis that methylprednisolone started 12 h before a planned extubation could prevent postextubation laryngeal oedema. METHODS We did a placebo-controlled, double-blind multicentre trial in 761 adults in intensive-care units. Patients who were vent...

PURPOSE In earlier analyses, desflurane has been shown to reduce average extubation time and the variability of extubation time by 20% to 25% relative to sevoflurane in adult patients. We undertook this study to determine which agents prompt less recovery time in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospe...

OBJECTIVE To update the state of knowledge on unplanned extubations (UEs) in neonatal ICUs. This review focuses on the following topics: incidence, risk factors, reintubation after UE, outcomes, and prevention. METHODS The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant publications from January 1, 1950, through January 30, 2012. Fifteen articles wer...

BACKGROUND Unplanned extubations can result in serious complications. OBJECTIVES To determine characteristics of patients and nurses and risk factors that affect extubations. Methods A retrospective exploratory design was used. Ram-say Sedation Scale scores, need for reintubation, time between intubation and extubation, use of sedation and analgesia in the preceding 48 hours, and use of restr...

We would like to congratulate Gentile and Siobal on their review article concerning the recent advances in equipment for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia,1 in which they reported different techniques to clear the subglottic secretions that accumulate during intubation. At the time of extubation, they described applying a positive pressure gradient just prior to cuff deflation. T...

Structured abstract Background: The efficacy of corticosteroids for reducing the incidence of post-extubation laryngeal edema remains controversial. Objective: To evaluate whether methylprednisolone (MP) started 12 hr prior to planned tracheal extubation, can prevent post-extubation laryngeal edema. Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebocontrolled trial performed in 15 intensive care...