Risk factors for reintubation in the post-anaesthetic care unit: A casecontrol study

Abstract

Background Risk factors for reintubation in post-anaesthetic care units related to anaesthetic processes have not previously been reported. Our goal was to identify risk factors for reintubation in general surgical patients.Methods A time-matched, casecontrol study was conducted on anaesthetic patients between 2001 and 2011. One hundred and sixty-four reintubated patients were compared with 656 randomly selected controls.Results Independent risk factors for reintubation were age <1 yr vs age 3049 yr [odds ratio (OR)16.4, 95 confidence interval (CI)5.747.7], chronic pulmonary disease (OR2.1, CI1.14.0), preoperative hypoalbuminaemia (OR4.9, CI2.410), creatinine clearance <24 vs >60 (OR4.1, CI1.213.4), emergency case (OR1.8, CI1.03.1), operative time >3 vs <1 h (OR3.0, CI1.56.2), airway surgery (OR32.2, CI13.676), head and neck surgery (OR3.4, CI1.86.2), cardiac surgery (OR3.8, CI1.113.4), thoracic surgery (OR6.3, CI1.921.2), cardiac catheterization (OR2.5, CI1.15.5), ASA physical status III (OR3.8, CI1.410), and the use of certain types of neuromuscular blocking agent (P<0.001).Conclusions Age <1 yr, chronic pulmonary disease, preoperative hypoalbuminaemia, and renal insufficiency were patient factors for reintubation. Emergency case, head and neck, cardiothoracic and airway surgery, and operative time >3 h were operative factors, while certain neuromuscular blocking agents and ASA physical status III were anaesthetic factors for reintubation. © The Author [2012]. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved.