Randomized Comparative Efficacy of Dexamethasone to Prevent Postextubation Upper Airway Complications in Children and Adults in ICU

SUMMARY: Prophylactic steroid therapy to reduce the occurrence of postextubation laryngeal edema is controversial. Only a limited number of prospective trials involve adults and children in an intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether administration of multiple doses of dexamethasone to critically ill, intubated patients reduces or prevents the occurrence of postextubation laryngeal edema / stridor and its risk factors. Another specific objective of our study was to investigate whether an after-effect (that is, a transient lingering benefit) exists 24 hours after the discontinuation of dexamethasone In a prospective, randomized, double-blind control study, a total of 120 patients were randomly allocated both in children and adult population, who were ventilated more than 24 hours in ICU; into study and Control group. Study group comprising 60 patients with 30adults and 30 children. Study group adults received 8mg dexamethasone 4 doses i.e 4 hours prior to planned extubation, at extubation and 6 and 12 hours after extubation. Children received 0.5 mg.Kg(−1) dose with maximum of 8mg at similar intervals. Control group comprising of 30 adults and 30 children who received placebo or saline at similar intervals. There was statistically significant difference (p = 0.019) in comparison of failed extubation (those who cannot withstand extubation and reintubated) in children with respect to adults. Moreover, duration of intubation (p =0.014) and female gender were also risk factors for failed extubation. We concluded that prophylactic use of intravenous dexamethasone is useful in preventing postextubation laryngeal edema/stridor in children but not in adults.