Hemodynamic Collapse After Intubation in Critical Care Transport.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of and modifiable risk factors for post intubation hemodynamic collapse in prehospital and interfacility critical care transport.

Methods: Single center retrospective chart review of adult patients (≥18 years) intubated by a critical care transport team between January 2017 and May 2023. The primary outcome was incidence of hemodynamic collapse (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg for greater than 30 min, new vasopressor requirement, vasopressor dose increase, fluid bolus of >15 mL/kg, systolic blood pressure <65 mmHg at least once, or cardiac arrest). Secondary outcomes included post intubation hypoxia, as well as association of hemodynamic collapse with potentially modifiable risk factors including pre intubation shock index, pre intubation heart rate, pre intubation systolic blood pressure, and induction agent.

Results: Three hundred and thirty-three patients were included. Ninety-seven (29.1%) patients experienced hemodynamic collapse and 36 (10.8%) of patients experienced life threatening hemodynamic collapse. Pre intubation shock index >1 (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.15-8.74) was associated with post intubation hemodynamic collapse. Choice of induction agent, fluid bolus prior to intubation, location of intubation, presence of traumatic injury, and age were not correlated with risk of hemodynamic collapse. The number of intubation attempts and methods of intubation were similar between groups.

Conclusions: Hemodynamic collapse and life-threatening hemodynamic collapse after intubation occurred frequently in this critical care transport cohort. Shock index greater than one was associated with significantly higher risk of hemodynamic collapse and life-threatening hemodynamic collapse.