Effect of Saline Instillation during Endotracheal Tube Suctioning on Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Normal saline instillation during endotracheal suctioning is a widely used practice in most of the hospitals but there is inconsistency and controversy regarding use of saline. This study aims to find effect of sterile isotonic normal saline instillation during endotracheal suctioning on oxygen saturation and heart rate. Total of 150 patients on mechanical ventilation were selected by total enumerative sampling technique and were then randomized into three groups: (1) Control group: suctioning done without intervention, (2) Experimental group-1: suctioning done with 2ml isotonic normal saline, and (3) Experimental group-2: 5 mL of isotonic normal saline was used during suctioning. Oxygen saturation and heart rate levels were measured before and after intervention (at immediately, 2 and 5 min). Findings of the study revealed that there was no significant effect of instillation of different volumes of sterile isotonic normal saline (2 or 5 mL) on oxygen saturation and heart rate (reduced or improved) as compared to suctioning in absence of isotonic normal saline use (p < 0.001). It has been concluded from the study that there is no significant difference in oxygen saturation and heart rate among experimental and control groups during or after suctioning. Therefore, the present study disfavors the use of saline during endotracheal suctioning as it does not offer any physiological benefit. Moreover most of the previous studies have also suggested that saline instillation increases chances of VAP. Hence saline instillation should not be practiced during endotracheal suctioning.