A paediatric critical care transport service encountered elevated tracheal tube cuff pressures (>30 cmH20) in 41% of 60 consecutive care studied, and over 60 cmH20 in 30%. This measurement was taken on arrival at the bedside, not in flight.
Cuffed tubes are good, but we need to keep an eye on the pressures.
This is in keeping with the results of an adult study previously blogged on this site.
Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Pediatric Patients Intubated Before Aeromedical Transport
Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 May;26(5):361-3