A method of predicting the length of intubation in trauma-induced respiratory insufficiency.

A retrospective study of patients intubated for more than 24 hours was undertaken to assess the possibility of predicting the length of intubation. Patients requiring intubation for injuries secondary to motor vehicle accidents were scored according to a well-documented grading system which enables a numerical assessment of the severity of injury. There appears to be a significant relationship between this score and the length of intubation. It also appears possible to estimate the duration of intubation within the first 24 hours after injury in this group of patients. This information could provide an objective criterion for the clinician who must choose between prolonged intubation or tracheotomy in the management of severely injured patients.