Another important aspect of the data collection was the presence or absence (no intake in the previous 4 h) of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists. After including a first group of patients (n = 59) we concluded that it also would be of value to register if they had a meal or drinks before placement. Fasting was defined as no intake of solid food 4 h before intubation, 2 h for liquids and one hour for enteral medications.
2.3. Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics were used to express means, standard deviations, percentages and frequencies. The Chi-squared test was used to compare discontinuous variables and the Mann–Whitney U for continuous variables. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used. A statistical programme (IBM, SPSS Statistics version 21®) was used to analyse the results.
3. Results
3.1. Study population
The study included 331 intubations in 314 patients. An X-ray was obtained in 301 intubations. A pH measurement was performed in 270 intubations. The average age of the participants was 69 years (range, 18–94) (see Table 1).
Table 1.