title: Corticosteroids to prevent postextubation upper airway obstruction: the evidence mounts.
abstract: Intubation of the airway can lead to laryngotracheal injury, resulting in extubation failure from upper airway obstruction (UAO). A number of factors can help to identify patients who are at greatest risk for postextubation UAO. Three randomized controlled trials demonstrate that prophylactic corticosteroids decrease the risk for postextubation UAO and probably the need for re-intubation.
authors: Scott K
authors: SK
authors: Epstein
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone
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