The Effect of Different Body Positions on Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure in Patients under Mechanical Ventilation

Introduction: Maintaining endotracheal tube intracuff pressure (ETTICP) within an optimal range is crucial for effective ventilation and prevention of aspiration. This study aimed to determine the effect of changing body position on ETTICP in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Methods: In the current single-group study, each patient was taken as his/her own control. Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the study sample. First, the patients were placed in a supine (flat) position, head of the bed was raised to 30 degrees, and ETTICP was set at 25 cmH2 O as the baseline. Then, the ETTICP changes in the three positions (left lateral, right lateral, and semi-fowler) were compared with the baseline. Interventions were made on a random basis among the patients. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA using SPSS version 13.

Results: There was a significant difference among ETTICP means in three different body positions, so that ETTICP was higher in the left lateral position compared to other positions. Moreover, there was a significant difference among ETTICP means 0, 15, 45, and 90 minutes after changing the body position. ETTICP means after 0 and 15 minutes were significantly higher than other times compared to the baseline.

Conclusion: ETTICP changes were affected by different body positions and the passage of time. Thus, regular monitoring and adjusting of ETTICP after any body positioning is essential, especially immediately and 15 minutes after repositioning.