Prevalence of unplanned extubation at ICU of Shahid Rajaei Teaching Hospital of Qazvin (2009)

Unplanned Extubation (UE) is a major and well-recognized complication of translaryngeal intubation and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU and hospital stay. This cross - sectional study was performed at the 12-bed ICU of Rajaei Hospital in Qazvin over a 6-month period from July to December 2009 to determine the prevalence of UE. This complication is defined as accidental removal of endotracheal tube (ETT) or deliberate removal of ETT by patient. In our study the prevalence of UE was 32%. Since in the present study 92.5% of patients with UE removed their own endotracheal tubes, it seems that more attention in providing proper education associated with fixation of ETT and limiting the patient’s hands is needed.