Oral Commissure Ulcer in an Extremely Preterm Infant: A Complication of Endotracheal Tube Fixation at Contralateral Oral Commissure During Lateral Positioning
2024

Oral Ulcer in a Preterm Infant from Endotracheal Tube Fixation

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Fusagawa Shintaro, Sakai Takuro, Igarashi Lisa, Nishida Takeshi, Miki Kaori

Primary Institution: Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, JPN

Hypothesis

Does endotracheal tube fixation at the oral commissure combined with lateral positioning increase the risk of ulcer formation in preterm infants?

Conclusion

The case suggests that endotracheal tube fixation at the oral commissure with lateral positioning may increase the risk of ulcer formation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Endotracheal tube fixation at the oral commissure is a known complication.
  • Ulcer formation occurred 11 days after changing the fixation site.
  • The infant was extubated and discharged with minimal scarring.

Takeaway

A baby who was very premature got a sore on his lip because the tube that helped him breathe was fixed in a bad spot. We learned that we should be careful about where we put these tubes.

Methodology

Case report of an extremely preterm infant with an oral commissure ulcer due to endotracheal tube fixation and lateral positioning.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in reporting due to the single case nature of the study.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A male infant born at 24 weeks and four days of gestation, weighing 696 gm.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75009

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