A Case of Retained Oral Care Sponge in the Bronchus Causing Pneumonia in Chronically Ventilated Patient

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aspiration of foreign bodies is not uncommon and mostly accidental with the highest prevalence in young children [1]. Occurrence in adults is rare and usually as a result of diminished consciousness, sedation, trauma, and neuromuscular disorders. We present a case of a 70 year old patient receiving chronic mechanical ventilation who had multiple episodes of hypoxia due to a dislodged oral care sponge. CASE PRESENTATION:A 70 year-old bedbound male with chronic mechanical ventilation (via tracheostomy?) after traumatic brain injury, and recurrent pneumonia was admitted for pneumonia. On admission, respiratory cultures grew Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter Bumanii and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa with negative urinalysis and blood cultures. Chest radiograph showed bilateral lower lobe opacities. He was treated with vancomycin, polymyxin B, and meropenem. However, his FiO2 fluctuated between 40% and 60% and despite being on antibiotics he was persistently febrile. He continued to have copious secretions requiring frequent suctioning without any new infiltrates on repeat chest radiograph. A Computer tomography (CT) of the chest was performed which showed a tubular structure extending from the right main bronchus to the bronchus intermedius (Image 1). Bronchoscopy was done and the object was found to be the head of an oral care sponge. After foreign body removal his respiratory status improved and fevers resolved.DISCUSSION: Oral care in mechanically ventilated patients has been studied extensively and there are many guidelines recommend to minimize ventilator associated pneumonia. Extreme care must be taken by providers as defective products or aggressive technique can result in fragments being dislodged into the oral cavity and can result in aspiration especially in patients with chronic tracheostomy. In patients with tracheostomy, diminished airway protective mechanisms and a deflated balloon can result in an increased risk of foreign body aspiration. Aspiration of a foreign body is a significant cause of morbidity as it can cause asphyxiation or trauma to the airway resulting in pneumothorax, bleeding, and infections [2]. In patients with diminished consciousness the signs of foreign body aspirations can be subtle such a mild cough, fevers, frequent infections, or increasing oxygen and they may not be able to provide a proper history.CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the need for vigilance regarding potential complications from providing oral care in the elderly who have diminished ability to protect their airway.