title: Method of endotracheal tube fixation and iatrogenic ear deformities.
abstract: There is no consensus regarding which type of endotracheal tube or method of fixation should be employed in neonates. We use oral endotracheal tubes held in place by a flange tied to a bonnet. In three very preterm infants the ligatures holding the bonnet to the flange caused pressure necrosis to the ear while the infants suffered poor perfusion due to profound hypotension. Permanent ear deformities have resulted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  extra vigilance and precautions are required to prevent iatrogenic problems in sick, very prematurely born infants.
authors.affiliation: Children Nationwide Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Centre, 4th floor, Ruskin Wing, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK.
authors.forename: Tassos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grammatikopoulos
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Devane
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hannam
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greenough
mesh_terms: D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male