Prospective multi-center evaluation of the incidence of unplanned extubation and its outcomes in French intensive care units. The Safe-ICU study

Background

We aimed to determine the epidemiology and outcomes of unplanned extubation (UE), both accidental and self-extubation, in ICU.

Methods

A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted in 47 French ICUs. The number of mechanical ventilation (MV) days, and planned and unplanned extubation were recorded in each center over a minimum period of three consecutive months to evaluate UE incidence. Patient characteristics, UE environmental factors, and outcomes were compared based on the UE mechanism (accidental or self-extubation). Self-extubation outcomes were compared with planned extubation using a propensity-matched population. Finally, risk factors for extubation failure (re-intubation before day 7) were determined following self-extubation.

Results

During the 12-month inclusion period, we found a pooled UE incidence of 1.0 per 100 MV days. UE accounted for 9% of all endotracheal removals. Of the 605 UE, 88% were self-extubation and 12% were accidental-extubations. The latter had a worse prognosis than self-extubation (34% vs. 8% ICU-mortality, p < 0.001). Self-extubation did not increase mortality compared with planned extubation (8% vs. 11%, p = 0.075). Regardless of the type of extubation, planned or unplanned, extubation failure was independently associated with a poor outcome. Cancer, higher respiratory rate, lower PaO₂/FiO₂ at the time of extubation, weaning process not-ongoing, and immediate post-extubation respiratory failure were independent predictors of failed self-extubation.

Conclusion

Unplanned extubation, mostly represented by self-extubation, is common in ICU and accounts for 9% of all endotracheal extubations. While accidental extubations are a serious and infrequent adverse event, self-extubation does not increase mortality compared to planned extubation.