Comparison of video laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for urgent intubation in newborn infants: A meta-analysis.

Background: Securing a stable airway is a critical component in neonatal resuscitation. Compared to direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy provides improved visualization of the glottis, potentially enhancing the success rate of intubation. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in neonatal intubation.

Methods: A thorough search was performed across CENTRAL, Embase, and PubMed databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of video laryngoscopy in comparison with direct laryngoscopy for neonatal intubation. The data extraction and analysis were conducted in alignment with Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome of interest was the time required for intubation, while secondary outcomes included the number of intubation attempts and the success rate on the first attempt.

Results: The meta-analysis included nine RCTs, encompassing a total of 719 neonates. The findings revealed that video laryngoscopy was associated with a longer intubation time (mean difference [MD] 3.23 s, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.42 to 4.04; I = 96 %). However, it also significantly improved the first-attempt success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.31, 95 % CI 1.20 to 1.44; I = 76 %) and borderline reduced the total number of intubation attempts (MD -0.08, 95 % CI -0.15 to 0.00; I = 53 %).

Conclusions: While video laryngoscopy is associated with a modest increase in intubation time, it provides clear benefits by enhancing the success rate of first-attempt intubations and reducing the need for multiple attempts in neonatal intubation procedures.