Monday December 7, 2009

Q: What percentage of patients may experience post extubation stridor (PES)?

Answer: About 15%

A low cuff-leak volume (less than 130 ml or 12%) around the endotracheal tube prior to extubation is useful in identifying patients at risk for post-extubation stridor.

Racemic Epinephrine, Heliox and and Decadron has been used as treatment for PES. It may require re-intubation in severe cases.