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European Journal of Pediatrics

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01-07-2019 | Short Communication

Laryngoscope burn risk in neonatal intubation

Authors: Emer Ryan, Paul O Neill, Dermot Brabazon, John F. A. Murphy

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 7/2019

Abstract

Laryngoscope burns in neonatal intubation

Following burns during neonatal intubation, we mounted an in vitro study of laryngoscopes to determine the temperatures reached during clinical use. The temperature of 10 different bulb laryngoscopes heads and two fibre optic heads were measured with a thermocouple, once opened, and upon closing. Within 60 s, all ten laryngoscopes, with light-bulb sources, had gained significant heat to cause thermal injury to neonatal skin. Laryngoscopes with LED light source and fibre optic heads did not.

Conclusion: We recommend that the bulb laryngoscope blade, if used, is not left open prior to intubation and that it is closed between intubation attempts.

What is Known: • The preterm epidermis is particularly vulnerable to injury.
What is New: • Bulb laryngoscope light bulbs consistently reach temperatures sufficient to burn neonatal skin in less than 100 s in an in vitro study. • Bulb light safety advice should be incorporated into intubation guidelines.

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Title: Laryngoscope burn risk in neonatal intubation
Authors: Emer Ryan
Paul O Neill
Dermot Brabazon
John F. A. Murphy
Publication date: 01-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-019-03381-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Laryngoscope burn risk in neonatal intubation

Abstract

Laryngoscope burns in neonatal intubation

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Laryngoscope burns in neonatal intubation

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