POCUS of the Pediatric Critical Airway, A Prospective Clinical Observational Study
The goal of this observational study is to assess the laryngeal air column width difference measurement on point of care ultrasound as a predictive indicator of post-extubation stridor in the pediatric critical care population. The main question it claims to answer is: In pediatric intensive care unit patients, can point of care ultrasound measurements of laryngeal air column width difference be used as a sensitive and specific tool to predict post extubation stridor in comparison to standard qualitative and quantitative evaluations? Participants will be enrolled when they are on or approaching extubation readiness. At this time, an ultrasound of their airway will be performed by the investigators and the laryngeal air column width difference will be recorded.
• 0 to 18 years
• Mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal tube
• Patient on or approaching extubation readiness