Efficacy of intracuff lidocaine in reducing coughing on tube: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of intracuff lidocaine in reducing coughing and other endotracheal tube side effects and so ensure a smooth extubation process. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published before June 30, 2019 that investigated the efficacy of intracuff lidocaine, with or without sodium bicarbonate, in reducing coughing and other complications related to endotracheal intubation. A random-effects model was used to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the relative risks (RRs) of the incidence of these intubation-related side effects. RESULTS: 11 studies involving 843 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control groups (i.e., saline or air), intracuff lidocaine groups (alkalinized or non-alkalinized) had a significantly reduced incidence of coughing on tube. Similarly, intracuff lidocaine groups were more effective than control groups in reducing the incidence of other intubation-related complications. CONCLUSION: Intracuff alkalinized or non-alkalinized lidocaine significantly reduced coughing and other intubation-related complications during the extubation process.