Abstract

Background: Neonatal resuscitation many times requires endotracheal intubation and correct placement of endotracheal tube determines success of resuscitation and avoids complications.

Aim: To determine frequency of successful insertion of endotracheal tube by suprasternal palpation in neonates.

Methods: A descriptive study was done at Nursery department of The Children’s Hospital, Lahore. A total of 197 patients were taken. After passing Endotracheal tube (ETT), tip of ETT was very gently palpated in suprasternal notch of newborn. The position of ETT was considered correct only if its tip was palpable in suprasternal notch. Successful insertion was followed by its confirmation by X-ray chest taken in supine position. Baby’s gestational age when born and weight was also measured. All data including age, weight and outcome of insertion was collected on Performa.

Results: In our study, out of 197 cases, 101(51.27%) were between 1-10 days of life while 96(48.73%) were between 11-28 days of life, mean+SD was calculated as 10.09+5.79 days, 106(53.81%) were male and 91(46.19%) were females. Frequency of successful insertion of endotracheal tube by suprasternal palpation in neonates was calculated as 174(88.32%).

Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of successful insertion of endotracheal tube by suprasternal palpation in neonates is higher and may be recommended in future but our findings are limited to one center and needs some-other trials for its validation.

Keywords: Neonates, resuscitation, insertion of endotracheal tube, suprasternal palpation, successful