Objective: Hypotension is an important complication following emergency intubation. However, no study in Thailand about factors associated with post-intubation hypotension (PIH) has been published. The present study aimed to identify the factors inducing PIH.

Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospectively collected database of patients intubated in the emergency department (ED). The inclusion criteria were patients older than 18 years who were intubated in the ED. Patients were divided into a PIH group [systolic blood pressure (SBP) 90 mmHg or lower or decrease in SBP of greater than 20% from baseline within 10 minutes] and a non-PIH group to analyze risk factors.

Results: Of the 1,781 intubated patients, 1,435 met the study criteria and were analyzed. PIH occurred in 315 patients (22%). Propofol [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 3.25], rocuronium (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.90), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.29), and previous stroke (adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.05) were associated with increased PIH.

Conclusion: Propofol was the most significant factor that caused PIH. Rocuronium, COPD, and previous stroke were statistically significant associated with increased risk of PIH.

Keywords: Post-intubation hypotension, Risk factor, Emergency department, Intubation