The occurrence of pressure damage in the oral cavity caused by endotracheal tubes

What is it about?

The aim of this observational study was to investigate the occurrence of pressure damage caused by endotracheal tubes. For the assessment of oral condition and the eventual damage a modified version of the Oral Assessment Guide was used. The oral condition was assessed once per day in thirty-eight patients orally intubated with a tube for over 24 hours. Most patients had no pressure damage. Five patients had pressure damage on the oral mucosa and lip. The group with damage was treated with noradrenaline, had bleeding problems and clotting disorders and had significantly more intubated and study days.

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Why is it important?

The routine of repositioning the oral endotracheal tubes every third day can be adopted in other intensive care units. However, the oral endotracheal tube repositioning should not be conducted in all intensive care patients. There is an increased risk of pressure ulcers caused by the oral endotracheal tubes in patients with bleeding problems/clotting disorders, and the risk increases with the number of oral endotracheal tube days. An individually-tailored plan of care is needed.

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