Apneic Oxygenation by Nasal Cannulaand Safe Apnoea Time During AIrway Management in Pediatric Patients by Anaesthetic Trainees.

Background-Apnoeic nasal oxygenation prolongs the time until desaturation during intubation of patients but there is less evidence in children. The aim was to determine if apnoeic oxygenation during intubation of children by anesthetic trainees will prolong the interval before desaturation. Methods- This retrospective observational study done in patients over 2 years old in Pediatric Surgery department in Assam Medical College compared intubation data for 30 patients intubated by anesthetic trainees under baseline practice (no nasal cannula) to 30 patients enrolled after adoption of routine apneic nasal cannula oxygenation at 5L/min.Results- The median elapsed time to cross threshold of SpO2 95% in no cannula group was 151.6 seconds (CI: 136-180) and 269.97 seconds (CI: 236-290) in cannula group. SpO2 95% or below was in 10% cases in cannula vs 47% cases in no cannula group. SpO2 90% or below was 3% cases vs 23% in no-cannula group. Apnoeic oxygenation reduced attending anesthesiologist intervention in 10% cases in cannula and 33% cases in no cannula group. Conclusion- Apneic oxygenation via nasal cannula during intubation of pediatric patients reduces the occurrence of hypoxemia and prolongs the time before desaturation, therefore extending the safe interval for airway management by anesthetic trainees.