Orotracheal intubation in the newborn.

One hundred consecutive cases of orotracheal intubation in the premature and term newborn at the Hersehy Medical Center were studied retrospectively. The reason for intubation was for respiratory failure most commonly associated with hyaline membrane disease. The duration of intubation ranged from six hours to 63 days. Seventy-nine percent required intubation for more than 24 hours and 28 percent required intubation for more than one week. No tracheotomies were performed. There were 56 survivors, 50 of which were seen in follow-up examination at three, six or 18-month intervals. There were no cases of clinically evident upper airway damage or obstruction in this group. Post mortem examinations were carried out on 35 infants with tracheal necrosis found in one case. The authors feel that orotracheal intubation is superior to nasotracheal intubation and tracheotomy in this age group. This method of management should be carried out where there is adequate trained personnel and professional staff and equipment capable of proper orotracheal tube placement and management.