6533b82bfe1ef96bd128ce77

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Tracheostomy in patients with long-term mechanical ventilation: a survey.

Marchese SCorrado AScala RAmbrosino NIntensive Care Study GroupItalian Association Of Hospital PulmonologistsCorrao Salvatore

subject

Pulmonary and Respiratory MedicineMalemedicine.medical_specialtyPercutaneousSettore MED/09 - Medicina InternaExacerbationCritical Caremedicine.medical_treatmentRespiratory failureSettore MED/10 - Malattie Dell'Apparato Respiratoriolaw.inventionTracheostomylawIntensive caremedicineHumansIn patientIntensive care unitMechanical ventilationbusiness.industryLong-term mechanical ventilationMiddle Agedmedicine.diseasePrognosisIntensive care unitRespiration ArtificialSettore MED/45 - Scienze Infermieristiche Generali Cliniche E PediatricheSurgeryObstructive sleep apneaTreatment OutcomeRespiratory failureItalyHealth Care SurveysTracheostomy Intensive care unit Long-term mechanical ventilation Respiratory failureFemalebusinessRespiratory InsufficiencyVentilator Weaning

description

Summary Background Tracheostomy is increasingly performed in intensive care units (ICU), with many patients transferred to respiratory ICU (RICU). Indications/timing for closing tracheostomy are discussed. Aim and Method We report results of a one-year survey evaluating: 1) clinical characteristics, types of tracheostomy, complications in patients admitted to Italian RICU in 2006; 2) clinical criteria and systems for performing decannulation, and outcome of patients undergoing tracheostomy (number decannulated; number non-decannulated/non-ventilated; number non-decannulated/ventilated; dead/lost patients). Results 22/32 RICUs replied. There were 846 admissions of 719 patients (Mean age 64,3 (±14.2) years, 489 (68%) males). Causes of admission were: acute respiratory failure with underlying chronic co-morbidities 176 (24.4%); exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 222 (34.4%); neuromuscular diseases 200 (27.8%); surgical patients 77 (10.7%); thoracic dysmorphism 28 (3.8%); obstructive sleep apnea syndrome 16 (2.2%). Percutaneous tracheostomies were 65.9%. Major complications after tracheostomy were 2%. 427 tracheostomies were evaluated for decannulation: 96 (22.5%) were closed; 175 patients (41%) were discharged with home mechanical ventilation; 114 patients (26.5%) maintained the tracheostomy despite weaning from mechanical ventilation and 42 patients (10%) died or lost. The clinical criteria chosen for decannulation were: stability of respiratory conditions, effective cough, underlying diseases and ability to swallow. The systems for evaluating feasibility of decannulation were: closure of tracheostomy tube; laryngo-tracheoscopy; use of tracheal button and down-sizing. Conclusions There were few major complications of tracheostomy. A substantial proportion of patients maintain the tracheostomy despite not requiring mechanical ventilation. There was no agreement on indications and systems for closing tracheostomy.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2010-05-01
10.1016/j.rmed.2010.01.003http://hdl.handle.net/10447/74673