Impact of Humidification on Endotracheal Tube Occlusion Rates in Critically Ill Patients: A Comparative Study

Authors

Omar. M Alanazi, Rami H. Alkhalid, Mohammed A. Alodhayb, Abdulaziz A. Alghamdi

Abstract

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a crucial intervention in critically ill patients, but it can lead to complications such as endotracheal tube (ETT) occlusion. Adequate humidification is essential to prevent ETT occlusion and maintain airway patency. This study aimed to compare the incidence of ETT occlusion between patients using heated humidifiers (HH) and heat and moisture exchangers (HME) during mechanical ventilation.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving 100 mechanically ventilated patients, with 50 patients in each group (HH vs. HME). The primary outcome was the incidence of ETT occlusion, with secondary outcomes including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay.

Results: The study found a significantly lower incidence of ETT occlusion in the HME group (8%) compared to the HH group (20%) (p = 0.045). Secondary outcomes did not show significant differences between groups. No adverse events related to humidification systems were reported.

Conclusion: Heat and moisture exchangers demonstrated a lower incidence of ETT occlusion compared to heated humidifiers in mechanically ventilated patients. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the results suggest potential benefits of passive humidification systems in reducing airway complications during mechanical ventilation.

Keywords

mechanical ventilation, humidification, endotracheal tube occlusion, heated humidifiers, heat and moisture exchangers, critically ill patients

Impact of Humidification on Endotracheal Tube Occlusion Rates in Critically Ill Patients: A Comparative Study. Omar. M Alanazi, Rami H. Alkhalid, Mohammed A. Alodhayb, Abdulaziz A. Alghamdi. 2022. IJIRCT, Volume 8, Issue 4. Pages 1-6. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2407052