Comparison of Two Different Endotracheal Aspiration Methods in Premature Infants

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare open and closed endotracheal aspiration methods in premature infants in terms of neonatal infections and premature morbidities. Method: Between January 2016 and December 2016, the records of preterm infants with a birth weight under 1500 g were retrospectively reviewed in our neonatal intensive care unit. Infants in the first 72 hours of life requiring intubation and at least 24 hours of mechanical ventilation were included in analysis. In addition to demographic and clinical data of infants, premature morbidities, total number and types of endotracheal aspirations and duration of respiratory support were recorded. Results: The data of infants who underwent open (n=39) or closed aspiration (n=38) were analyzed. Demographic findings were similar in both groups. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of total number of aspirations, extubation failure, duration of respiratory support, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator-associated pneumonia and late onset neonatal sepsis. In addition, there was no difference in terms of other morbidities of prematurity, hospital stay and mortality. Conclusion: In our study, any relationship between open and closed endotracheal aspiration and prematurity-related morbidities in preterm infants with birth weights less than 1500 g.