The predictive value of chest X-ray for the depth of tracheal intubation in infants

Objective

To determine the predictive value of chest X-ray for the depth of tracheal intubation in infants.

Methods

Basic data of 161 infants under 3 years old was collected. Tracheal length was measured on preoperative chest radiographs to guide intubation depth. Correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships between tracheal length, age, and body weight.

Results

161 cases (male/female = 142/19, no significant difference in sex, p = 0.09) were included, aged from 1 month to 28 months, weight from 2.5 kg to 18.0 kg. The endotracheal intubation depth reached the standard rate was 100 %, with 0 cases of over-deep or over-shallow intubation. Correlation analysis showed that tracheal length was positively correlated with both age and body weight, with stronger correlations observed in infants aged 1–12 months (r = 0.751 for age, r = 0.672 for weight, p < 0.01) compared to those aged 13–28 months (r = 0.672 for age, r = 0.408 for weight, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Direct measurement of tracheal length on routinely performed chest X-rays is simple, feasible and safe, and may be another choice for guiding the depth of tracheal intubation in children.