Bacterial Colonization of Endotracheal Tubes in Intubated Neonates

Abstract

Data demonstrate that bacterial colonization of an indwelling object in the neonatal airway increases with the duration of intubation. Furthermore, 4 days seems to represent a critical period in the formation of such colonization (possibly in the form of a biofilm). These bacteria may contribute to the chondritis known to precede the development of subglottic stenosis. Further studies are indicated to suggest ways to interrupt this process and reduce the incidence of airway injury.

Pediatric Laryngotracheal Obstruction: Current Perspectives on Stridor

“…It has been recognized for at least several decades that tracheotomy predisposes one to subglottic stenosis, 36 possibly from bacteria exposure perpetuated by biofilm adhesion on airway tubes 37 . Supporting this observation, two children in this series developed their subglottic stenosis after a tracheotomy despite having an endoscopically confirmed normal subglottis before tracheotomy.…”

The resistance of maxillofacial reconstruction plates to biofilm formation in vitro

“…Nishioka et al 12 also suggested that the use of bioresorbable materials may decrease the rate of infection because of the inability of the bacteria to adhere to a material that has resorbed. This explanation seems less plausible at present because biofilms have more recently been shown to form in as brief a period as 4 days, 14 and the current resorbable plates persist for months.…”

Vascular-pedicled costal cartilage graft for the treatment of subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis

“…1 The definite procedure should be performed as early as possible, and the postoperative intubation period should be as short as possible to prevent retardation of phonation and oral intake of the patient 6 as well as prevent infection and consequent granulation formation. 7 The cause of granulation is not simple, but insufficient circulation of tissue is definitely most important. For the treatment of subglottic stenosis, free costal cartilage graft is introduced and is widely used.…”