Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Endotracheal intubation has proven to be a relatively safe and effective means of securing the airway in neonates. Some concern remains, however, regarding airway management in critically ill infants who require assisted ventilation for extended periods. Among the various risk factors associated with the complication of acquired subglottic stenosis in neonates, the one most frequently cited has been "prolonged" intubation, although opinion varies regarding the definition of this term. ⋯ The incidence of subglottic stenosis for infants whose duration of intubation ranged from 3 to 50 days was 0.4% (1/245). Infants with birth weights less than 1,500 g appeared more susceptible to the development of intubation-related laryngeal injury. The conclusion of this study is that endotracheal intubation is an appropriate means of long-term airway management in neonates hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit, providing other known risk factors are minimized.