Pediatric tracheostomy: A large single‐center experience

Transitions in tracheostomy care: from childhood to adulthood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to explore the evidence around children and young people who require a tracheostomy and transition into adult services, reflecting on the challenges and considerations for clinical practice as these needs increase.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are a lack of data on the incidence and prevalence of children and young people with a tracheostomy transitioning to adult services for ongoing care. There are significant variations in care needs, technology and previous experiences that demand more than a simple handover process. Examples of service models that support the transition of care exist, however these lack specificity for children and young people with a tracheostomy.

SUMMARY

Further exploration of the needs of children and young people requiring airway technology is indicated, particularly considering the short and long-term education, health, and social care needs.

The Safety of Pediatric Bedside Tracheostomy

OBJECTIVE

Traditionally, pediatric tracheostomy has been viewed as a technically demanding procedure with a high complication rate, requiring the routine use of a formal operating room. Pediatric bedside tracheostomy in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting has not been widely reported, in contrast to the widespread adult bedside ICU tracheostomy. Transport of these critically ill, multiple life support systems dependent patients can be technically difficult, labor intensive, and potentially risky for these patients. Our study aimed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of bedside tracheostomy in the pediatric ICU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients undergoing tracheostomy at a tertiary care center, between 1st of January 2013 and 31st of December 2019.

RESULTS

During the study period, 117 pediatric patients underwent tracheostomy, 57 (48.7%) were performed bedside while 60 (51.3%) were performed in the operating room. Patients' ages ranged from 2 weeks to 17 years of age, with a median age of 16 months. No case of bedside tracheostomy necessitated a shift to the operating room. There was no difference in 30-day morbidity and mortality between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that pediatric open bedside tracheostomy in an ICU setting is a safe procedure, with similar complications and outcomes compared to tracheostomy performed in the operating room.

Time considerations and outcomes in pediatric tracheostomy decannulation

OBJECTIVE

The study objective is to identify factors that impact the time to decannulation in pediatric patients ages 0 through 18 years who are tracheostomy-dependent.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2020 identified pediatric tracheostomy patients at a single pediatric institution. Data extracted included demographic, socioeconomic factors, and clinical characteristics. Multivariate regression and survival analysis were used to identify factors associated with successful decannulation and decreased time with tracheostomy.

RESULTS

Of the 479 tracheostomy-dependent patients identified, 162 (33.8%) were decannulated. Time to decannulation ranged from 0.5 months to 189.2 months with median of 24 months (IQR 12.91-45.71). In the multivariate analysis, patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p = 0.021) and those with Passy-Muir® Valve at discharge (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with decannulation. In contrast, neurologic comorbidities (p = 0.06), presence of gastrostomy tube (p < 0.001), or discharged on a home ventilator (p < 0.001) were associated with indefinite tracheostomy. When adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and insurance status, for every one month delay in establishment of outpatient otolaryngology care, time to decannulation was delayed by 0.5 months (p = 0.010). For each additional outpatient otolaryngology follow-up visit, time to decannulation increased by 3.36 months (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Decannulation in pediatric tracheostomy patients is multifactorial. While timely establishment of outpatient care did correlate with quicker decannulation, factors related to medical complexity may have a greater impact on time to decannulation. Our results can help guide institutional decannulation protocols, as well as provide guidance when counseling families regarding tracheostomy expectations.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes in Infants Undergoing a Tracheostomy from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications and long-term morbidity in infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presenting for a tracheostomy.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included infants in the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy from August 2011 to December 2019. Primary outcomes were categorized as either a perioperative complication or long-term morbidity. A severe perioperative complication was defined as having either (1) an intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, (2) an intraoperative death, (3) a postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest within 30 days of the procedure, or (4) a postoperative death within 30 days of the procedure. Long-term morbidities included (1) the need for gastrostomy tube placement within the tracheostomy hospitalization and (2) the need for diuretic therapy, pulmonary hypertensive therapy, oxygen, or mechanical ventilation at 12 and 24 months following the tracheostomy.

RESULTS

One-hundred eighty-three children underwent a tracheostomy. The mean age at tracheostomy was 16.9 weeks while the mean post-conceptual age at tracheostomy was 49.7 weeks. The incidence of severe perioperative complications was 4.4% (n = 8) with the number of pulmonary hypertension medication classes preoperatively (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.44-8.94), p = 0.005) as a significant risk factor. Approximately 81% of children additionally had a gastrostomy tube placed at the time of the tracheostomy, and 62% were ventilator-dependent 2 years following their tracheostomy.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides critical perioperative complications and long-term morbidity data to neonatologists, pediatricians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and families in the expected course of infants from the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1945-1954, 2024.

A systematic review of antimicrobial therapy in children with tracheostomies

Tracheostomies are indicated in children to facilitate long-term ventilatory support, aid in the management of secretions, or manage upper airway obstruction. Children with tracheostomies often experience ongoing airway complications, of which respiratory tract infections are common. They subsequently receive frequent courses of broad-spectrum antimicrobials for the prevention or treatment of respiratory tract infections. However, there is little consensus in practice with regard to the indication for treatment/prophylactic antimicrobial use, choice of antimicrobial, route of administration, or duration of treatment between different centers. Routine antibiotic use is associated with adverse effects and an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance. Tracheal cultures are commonly obtained from pediatric tracheostomy patients, with the aim of helping guide antimicrobial therapy choice. However, a positive culture alone is not diagnostic of infection and the role of routine surveillance cultures remains contentious. Inhaled antimicrobial use is also widespread in the management of tracheostomy-associated infections; this is largely based on the theoretical benefits of higher airway antibiotic concentrations. The role of prophylactic inhaled antimicrobial use for tracheostomy-associated infections remains largely unproven. This systematic review summarizes the current evidence base for antimicrobial selection, duration, and administration route in pediatric tracheostomy-associated infections. It also highlights significant variation in practice between centers and the urgent need for further prospective evidence to guide the management of these vulnerable patients.

Pediatric Custom Tracheostomies: A Ten-Year Experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of customized and custom tracheostomies at our institution, and to identify trends in patient presentation and tracheostomy design.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for patients at our institution for whom a customized or custom tracheostomy tube was ordered between January 2011 and July 2021. Customized tracheostomy tubes allow for a small selection of alterations to trach design, such as cuff length and flange type. Custom tracheostomies have a unique design created by tracheostomy tube engineers in collaboration with the clinical provider, and are built specifically for a single patient.

RESULTS

A total of 235 patients were included, of whom 220 (93%) received customized tracheostomies and 15 custom (7%). The most common indications for customized tracheostomy were tracheal or stomal breakdown on a standard tracheostomy (n = 73, 33%) and ventilation difficulties (n = 61, 27%). The most frequent customization was shaft length (n = 126, 57%). The most common indication for custom tracheostomies was a persistent air leak on a standard or customized trach (n = 9) and the most frequent designs were custom cuffs (n = 8), flanges (n = 4), and anteriorly curved shafts (n = 4). Patients treated with a customized tracheostomy had a 5-year overall survival of 75.3%, compared to 51.4% for custom.

CONCLUSION

These are the first cohorts of pediatric patients with customized and custom tracheostomies to be described. Modifications to tracheostomies, in particular shaft length and cuff design, can address common complications of extended tracheostomy, and may help improve ventilation in the most challenging cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 134:452-458, 2024.

Factors associated with tracheostomy decannulation in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

Premature infants represent a unique subset of patients who may require tracheostomy. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is among one of the most common sequelae of prematurity contributing to the need for prolonged ventilation requiring tracheostomy after other airway options have been exhausted. Our objective is to understand socioeconomic barriers to decannulation and identify factors that accelerate safe decannulation, focusing on patients with BPD.

METHODS

An existing internal database from a tertiary pediatric hospital of patients undergoing tracheostomy prior to one year old was reviewed. Data from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2020 was used to compare patients who were successfully decannulated to those who were not. A further subset of infants with BPD were identified and analyzed. Of those decannulated, survival analysis was used to identify factors associated with decreased time to decannulation.

RESULTS

We identified 303 infants who underwent tracheostomy at less than one year old with 125 of those infants having a diagnosis of BPD. Of the 125 infants with BPD, 44 (35.2 %) were decannulated and 81 (64.8 %) were not. There was no significant difference in sex, race, ethnicity, insurance status, comorbidities, or presence of syndromes between those patients with BPD who were decannulated and those who were not. Those who were not decannulated had a significantly longer length of hospital stay, prolonged ventilator requirements after tracheostomy, and were more likely to be discharged home on the ventilator (p = 0.030; 0.020; 0.002, respectively). Of the 44 decannulated patients, mean and median time to decannulation were 37.9 and 27.8 months respectively (range 10.8-160.6 months). There was an inverse association with decannulation and both Black race (HR: 0.30) and neurological comorbidity (HR: 0.37) on multivariate analysis. Black race, presence of syndrome, and length of ventilator dependence were significantly associated with increased time to decannulation. Time to decannulation from time off the ventilator was not significantly influenced by sex, race, ethnicity, state of residence, or insurance status, but was significantly influenced by age (95 % CI: -6.9, -0.1; P = 0.044). While time from discharge to first follow up visit did not significantly impact time to decannulation, every additional follow up visit increased time to decannulation by 3.78 months when adjusting for confounding variables.

CONCLUSION

In infants with BPD under one year requiring tracheostomy, socioeconomic factors were not found to influence likelihood of decannulation, however Black race, presence of underlying syndrome, and increased length of ventilator dependence were associated with prolonged timing. Children with more frequent follow up visits similarly had an increased time to decannulation, illustrating a vital point in the process. Ventilator weaning protocols and standardized decannulation protocols in patients with BPD, along with caregiver education, can safely expedite and facilitate decannulation.

Tracheostomy in children is associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomies in children are associated with significant morbidity, poor quality of life, excess healthcare costs and excess mortality. The underlying mechanisms facilitating adverse respiratory outcomes in tracheostomised children are poorly understood. We aimed to characterise airway host defence in tracheostomised children using serial molecular analyses.

METHODS

Tracheal aspirates, tracheal cytology brushings and nasal swabs were prospectively collected from children with a tracheostomy and controls. Transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic methods were applied to characterise the impact of tracheostomy on host immune response and the airway microbiome.

RESULTS

Children followed up serially from the time of tracheostomy up to 3 months postprocedure (n=9) were studied. A further cohort of children with a long-term tracheostomy were also enrolled (n=24). Controls (n=13) comprised children without a tracheostomy undergoing bronchoscopy. Long-term tracheostomy was associated with airway neutrophilic inflammation, superoxide production and evidence of proteolysis when compared with controls. Reduced airway microbial diversity was established pre-tracheostomy and sustained thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term childhood tracheostomy is associated with a inflammatory tracheal phenotype characterised by neutrophilic inflammation and the ongoing presence of potential respiratory pathogens. These findings suggest neutrophil recruitment and activation as potential exploratory targets in seeking to prevent recurrent airway complications in this vulnerable group of patients.

Risk of death at home or on hospital readmission after discharge with pediatric tracheostomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of patients discharged home following tracheostomy, including the timing and place of death for non-survivors.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of infants undergoing tracheostomy between 2006 and 2017, within the first year of life for congenital or acquired neonatal conditions.

RESULTS

Of the 224 patients discharged after tracheostomy, 127 (57%) required home mechanical ventilation (MV). Overall, 40 (18%) patients died (65% were on MV); 38% of the deaths occurred at home and 63% at a subsequent hospitalization. Having tube feeding was identified as significantly associated with increased mortality on multivariate analysis. Having a tracheostomy for upper airway obstruction was the only variable significantly associated with increased risk of death at home on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Having tube feeding was associated with increased risk of death overall and having the tracheostomy for obstructive airway conditions was associated with death occurring at home.

Mortality Among Children with a Tracheostomy

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the cause of death among children with a tracheostomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

METHODS

All pediatric patients (<18 years) who had a tracheostomy placed at a tertiary care institution between 2015 and 2020 were included. The location and cause of death were recorded along with patient demographics and age.

RESULTS

A total of 271 tracheostomies were placed with 46 mortalities reviewed for a mortality rate of 16.8%. Mean age at placement was 1.7 years (SD: 3.4) and mean age at death was 2.9 years (SD: 3.5). Most tracheostomies were placed for respiratory failure (N = 33, 72%). The mean time to death after tracheostomy was 1.2 years (SD: 1.2) and 28% (N = 13) occurred during the same admission as placement. Mean time to death after hospital discharge was 1.3 years (SD: 1.3). Etiology of death was respiratory failure (33%, N = 15), cardiopulmonary arrest (15%, N = 7), unknown (43%, N = 20), or secondary to a tracheostomy-related complication for 9% (N = 4). Location of death was in intensive care units for 41% (N = 19) and 30% died at home (N = 14). Comfort care measures were taken for 37% (N = 17). Severe neurological disability (HR: 4.06, p = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.59-10.34) and congenital heart disease (HR: 2.36, p = 0.009, 95% CI: 1.24-4.48) correlated with time to death on Cox proportional hazard modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-third of children with a tracheostomy who expire will do so during the same admission as tracheostomy placement. Although progression of underlying disease will lead to most deaths, 9% will be a result of a tracheostomy-related complication, which represents a meaningful target for quality improvement initiatives.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:403-409, 2023.

Providing care for children with tracheostomies: a qualitative interview study with parents and health professionals

OBJECTIVES

To explore the experience of caring for children with tracheostomies from the perspectives of parents and health professional caregivers.

DESIGN

Qualitative semistructured interview study.

SETTING

One region in England covered by a tertiary care centre that includes urban and remote rural areas and has a high level of deprivation.

PARTICIPANTS

A purposive sample of health professionals and parents who care for children who have, or have had, tracheostomies and who received care at the tertiary care centre.

INTERVENTION

Interviews undertaken by telephone or video link.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis with QSR Nvivo 12.

RESULTS

This paper outlines key determinants and mediators of the experiences of caregiving and the impact on psychological and physical health and quality of life of parents and their families, confidence of healthcare providers and perceived quality of care. For parents, access to care packages and respite care at home as well as communication and relationships with healthcare providers are key mediators of their experience of caregiving, whereas for health professionals, an essential influence is multidisciplinary team working and support. We also highlight a range of challenges focused on the shared care space, including: a lack of standardisation in access to different support teams, care packages and respite care, irregular training and updates, and differences in health provider expertise and experiences across departments and shift patterns, exacerbated in some settings by limited contact with children with tracheostomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the experiences of caregiving can help inform measures to support caregivers and improve quality standards. Our findings suggest there is a need to facilitate further standardisation of care and support available for parent caregivers and that this may be transferable to other regions. Potential solutions to be explored could include the development of a paediatric tracheostomy service specification, increasing use of paediatric tracheostomy specialist nurse roles, and addressing the emotional and psychological support needs of caregivers.

Pediatric Tracheostomy at a Tertiary Healthcare Institution: A Retrospective Study Focused on Outcomes

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate all pediatric tracheotomies that had been performed at Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital From September 2016 to July 2019. A retrospective study was performed on pediatric patients who had undergone tracheostomy during the three-year study period. Patient data were reviewed for the following variables: age, gender, age at the time of tracheostomy, primary indication for tracheostomy, length of stay in intensive care unit before and after tracheostomy, complications, mortality and cause of death. The primary indication for tracheostomy was categorized into 4 separate groups: congenital disease, traumatic injury, prolonged intubation and other causes. The study group consisted of 138 children. Seventy-one (51.4%) of the children were male, 67 (48.6%) were female and the mean age of tracheostomy was 13.30 (0.03-192.27) months, and 44.2% were younger than 1 year when tracheotomy was performed. The median age at the time of tracheostomy was highest in children who underwent tracheostomy for traumatic injury. The indication for tracheostomy was prolonged intubation in 73.2% of the children. Complications were observed in 13 (9%) children; bleeding (69.2%) was the most common. Complications were most frequent in children who underwent tracheostomy for prolonged intubation. The overall mortality ratewas 30.4% with cardiac arrest being the most common cause. At our center, the most common indication for tracheostomy in children was long-term intubation, possibly due to our center being a tertiary healthcare institute. Bleeding was the most common complication, while cardiac arrest was the most common cause of death.

Long-term Outcomes of Pediatric Tracheostomy Home Care in a Limited Resource Setting of Professional Home Nurse

Long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with a tracheostomy in developing countries where professional home nurse is not accessible has rarely been reported. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and associating factors of long-term outcomes in these children. Retrospective chart review was conducted in 85 tracheostomized children who were discharged to home during January 2012 to December 2020. Tracheostomy home care was provided by caregivers who completed the tracheostomy home care program. Prevalence of unplanned readmission with acute respiratory problems within 30 days after the first hospital discharge was 17.6%. Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) after hospital discharge was found in 72.9% (median frequency of 1.0 episode/case/year). Among 80 children who had surveillance airway endoscopy, 46.3% demonstrated late tracheostomy-related airway complications. Independent factor associated with late tracheostomy-related airway complications was a follow-up period longer than 1 year. Decannulation success was found in 21.2%. Most of them had tracheostomy for their upper airway anomalies. The mortality rate was 7%. Most of them died from their underlying diseases. In conclusion, pediatric tracheostomy home care undertaken by caregivers is feasible in developing countries where home nurse is not available. The prevalence of unplanned readmission with acute respiratory problems within 30 days after hospital discharge and late tracheostomy-related airway complications were comparable with those reported in developed countries. However, we still had a high prevalence of post-tracheostomy LRTI which was a challenging problem that needed to be investigated and resolved.

Prevalence of laryngotracheal injury in chronically tracheostomized children at a large referral center

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with laryngotracheal lesions in chronically tracheostomized children followed at a comprehensive care center for tracheostomized patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2018, tracheostomized children were submitted to flexible bronchoscopy and divided into groups according to the findings: laryngotracheal injury without subglottic stenosis; laryngotracheal injury with subglottic stenosis; and normal airway. Multivariate analysis was performed with the covariates main indication for tracheostomy, age, duration of intubation, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 195 children were included, the median age at tracheostomy was 12 months, and upper airway obstruction was the indication for tracheostomy in 63.1%. Of the 195 patients evaluated, 41 (21%) had laryngotracheal injury without subglottic stenosis, 132 (67.7%) had laryngotracheal injury with subglottic stenosis, and 22 (11.3%) had a normal airway. In the final multivariate analysis, being intubated for ≥21 days increased the overall risk of subglottic stenosis (OR = 6.98; 95% CI, 1.42-34.3), which was significantly more common among the patients with laryngotracheal injury and subglottic stenosis than among those with laryngotracheal injury only and those with a normal airway (OR = 5.82; 95% CI, 1.44-23.52).

CONCLUSIONS

In our sample, the most prevalent lesion was subglottic stenosis The duration of intubation appears to be associated with the occurrence of laryngotracheal injury in tracheostomized children.

Tracheostomy practices in children on mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate current practices of tracheostomy in children regarding the ideal timing of tracheostomy placement, complications, indications, mortality, and success in decannulation.

SOURCE OF DATA

The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and complemented by manual search. The guidelines of PRISMA and MOOSE were applied. The quality of the included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Information extracted included patients' characteristics, outcomes, time to tracheostomy, and associated complications. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were computed using the Mantel-Haenszel method.

SYNTHESIS OF DATA

Sixty-six articles were included in the qualitative analysis, and 8 were included in the meta-analysis about timing for tracheostomy placement. The risk ratio for "death in hospital outcome" did not show any benefit from performing a tracheostomy before or after 14 days of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.49). The early tracheostomy before 14 days had a great impact on the days of mechanical ventilation (-26 days in mean difference, p < 0.00001). The authors also found a great reduction in hospital length of stay (-31.4 days, p < 0.008). For the days in PICU, the mean reduction was of 14.7 days (p < 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis suggests that tracheostomy performed in the first 14 days of ventilation can reduce the time spent on the ventilator, and the length of stay in the hospital, with no effect on mortality. The decision to perform a tracheostomy early or late may be more dependent on the baseline disease than on the time spent on ventilation .

Epidemiology of pediatric tracheotomy: A population-based study using National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

Tracheostomy in children is a surgical procedure with considerable morbidity and mortality. However, there is still a lack of population-based survey in pediatric tracheostomy. This study analyses population-based data in pediatric tracheostomy among different ages in Taiwan.

METHODS

This study used National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. All children (aged <18 years) who underwent tracheostomy during 1997-2016 were identified. We retrieved data regarding baseline characteristics, perioperative care, and mortality associated with pediatric tracheostomy, and compared differences in variables between different age groups.

RESULTS

We observed that 2300 children received tracheostomy (mean age, 8.7 years; 64% boys). Regarding the age group distribution of the patients, 585 (25.4%) were infants (<1 year), 227 (9.9%) were toddlers (1-3 years), 175 (7.6%) were preschool-aged children (3-6 years), 317 (13.8%) were school-aged children (6-12 years), and 996 (43.3%) were adolescents (12-18 years). Surgical indications included pulmonary disorders (64.9%), neurological disorders (38.4%), trauma (32.3%), head injury (25.2%), and congenital anomalies (21.5%). Of these patients, 94.9% required intensive care unit (ICU) care, with the mean length of ICU stay being 63.8 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 74.5 days. The overall mortality at the last follow-up was 43.96% (1011/2300), and the tracheostomy related mortality at the last follow-up was 1.43% (33/2300). Compared with adolescents, infants more commonly underwent tracheostomy in the northern area (66.7% vs 37.2%, P < .001), more commonly received tracheostomy indicated by congenital anomalies (53.7 vs 4.6%, P < .001), had longer ICU stays, had longer hospital stays (100.7 vs 57.5 days, P < .001), and had a higher 5-year mortality rate (42.4 vs 29.6%, P < .001). Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models revealed that young age was associated with an increased risk of prolonged hospital stay and long-term mortality, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elaborates the epidemiology of pediatric tracheostomy in different age groups.

Indications and clinical outcome in pediatric tracheostomy: Lessons learned

OBJECTIVE

Indications for tracheostomy have changed over the last decades and clinical outcome varies depending on the indication for tracheostomy. By gaining more insight in the characteristics and outcome of the tracheostomized pediatric population, clinical care can be improved and a better individual prognosis can be given. Therefore, we studied the outcome of our pediatric tracheostomy population in relation to the primary indication over the last 16 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively included children younger than 18 years of age with a tracheostomy tube in the Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia children's hospital. The primary indication for tracheostomy, gender, age at tracheostomy, age at decannulation, comorbidity, mortality, closure of a persisting tracheocutaneous fistula after decannulation, surgery prior to decannulation and the use of polysomnography were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Our research group consisted of 225 children. Reasons for a tracheostomy were first divided in two major diagnostic groups: 1) airway obstruction group (subgroups: laryngotracheal obstruction and craniofacial anomalies) and 2) pulmonary support group (subgroups: cardio-pulmonary diseases and neurological diseases). Children in the airway obstruction group were younger when receiving a tracheostomy (3.0 months vs. 31.0 months, p < 0.05), they were tracheostomy dependent for a longer time (median 21.5 months vs. 2.0 months, p < 0.05) and they required surgery more often (74.5% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.05) than the children in the pulmonary support group. The decannulation rate of children with a laryngotracheal obstruction is high (74.8%), but low in all other subgroups (craniofacial anomalies; 38.5%, cardio-pulmonary diseases; 34.6% and neurological diseases; 52.9%). Significantly more children (36.7%) died in the pulmonary support group due to underlying comorbidity, mainly in the cardio-pulmonary diseases subgroup. Surgery for a persisting tracheocutaneous fistula was performed in 34 (37.8%) children, with a significant relationship between the duration of the tracheostomy and the persistence of a tracheocutaneous fistula. No cannula related death occurred during this study period.

CONCLUSION

Main indications for a tracheostomy were airway obstruction and pulmonary support. Children in the airway obstruction group were younger when receiving a tracheostomy and they were tracheostomy dependent for a longer period. Within the airway obstruction group, the decannulation rate for children with laryngotracheal stenosis was high, but low for children with craniofacial anomalies. In the pulmonary support group, the decannulation rate was low and the mortality rate was high. Surgery for a persisting tracheocutaneous fistula was frequently needed.

Pediatric Tracheostomy Outcomes After Development of a Multidisciplinary Airway Team: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Objectives

To analyze a multidisciplinary tracheostomy team's effect on length of stay and cost.

Methods

An airway management program using a balanced scorecard was created to track key performance measures. Interventions included weekly rounding, standardized placement, postoperative care, and caregiver education. Process measures included time to first education, speech-language pathology consultation rates, and pretracheostomy consultations. Outcome measures focused on the total length of stay, 30-day revisit rates after discharge, accidental decannulation rate, and standardized cost. Regression analysis was used to predict the program's effect on length of stay and total cost.

Results

In total, 239 children met inclusion. The mean time to first education class was reduced from 13.7 to 1.9 days (P < .001). The speech-language pathology consultation rate increased from 68% to 95% (P < .001), and the presurgical consultation rate with the tracheostomy team increased from 14% to 93% (P < .001). The length of stay decreased from 133 to 96 days (P = .006). Total costs were lower for short admissions but higher for prolonged admissions. Revisits within 30 days remained stable over time (18%).

Discussion

Establishing a multidisciplinary tracheostomy team results in improvements in quality metrics when caring for children with tracheostomies. Controlling for associated factors showed the mean length of stay decreased significantly in the first full year of program implementation. Cost analysis estimated significant reductions for tracheostomy patients spending less time in the hospital.

Implications for Practice

A airway management program can positively affect tracheostomy processes and outcomes.

Starplasty contributes to reduce tracheostomal granulation in pediatric tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

Starplasty tracheostomy for pediatric patients has been suggested to reduce complications, including accidental decannulation and granulation.

OBJECTIVES

This study, based in a single hospital, aims to evaluate whether starplasty tracheostomy decreases the incidence of postoperative granulation of tracheostoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients that underwent tracheostomy under the age of 10 years in a single center between January 2001 and August 2020.

RESULTS

Of the 46 patients reviewed, 18 were males and 28 were females, and the median age at the initial operation was 6 months. Methods of tracheostomy were starplasty in 16 patients, vertical in 15 patients, horizontal H-shaped in 10 patients, fenestration in 3 patients, and trap door/inverted U-shaped in two patients. During observation, tracheostoma granulation was found in 25 patients and bleeding from tracheostoma occurred in one patient. No other major complications were observed. The incidence of postoperative tracheostoma granulation was significantly lower in patients that underwent starplasty tracheostomy compared with patients that underwent other types of tracheostomy (p = .007). There was no difference in survival outcomes or ratio of decannulations.

CONCLUSIONS

Starplasty tracheostomy was shown to decrease the incidence of tracheostoma granulation compared with other types of tracheostomy.

Comparing decannulation failures and successes in pediatric tracheostomy: An 18-year experience

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of published literature identifying patients at higher risk of decannulation failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient factors that may predict successful decannulation of pediatric tracheostomy patients and analyze factors contributing to tracheostomy decannulation failures.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of tracheostomy outcomes was conducted at a pediatric referral hospital. Successful and failed decannulations were compared using the following patient variables: age at tracheostomy, sex, ethnicity, gestational age and weight, the primary indication for tracheostomy, comorbidities, age at decannulation attempt, polysomnography data, and status of airway before decannulation as assessed endoscopically by airway team.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty-nine tracheostomies were performed over the 18-year period with 173 decannulation attempts. The overall rate of successful decannulation on the first attempt was 91.9% (159 of 173), with an eventual decannulation success rate of 97.1% (168 of 173). Compared with failed decannulations, the patients with successful decannulations had a shorter duration of tracheostomy and no medical comorbidities. Gestational age and weight approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance. After 25 months with a tracheostomy, approximately 50% of patients are decannulated with very few decannulations occurring after 75 months. The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 18.6% (78 of 420) with a tracheostomy-related mortality rate of 0.95% (4 of 420).

CONCLUSIONS

The decannulation protocol at this institution is successful nearly 92% of the time. Fewer medical comorbidities, shorter duration of tracheostomy placement, and older gestational age may improve the likelihood of successful decannulation. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal timing and workup to evaluate patients for decannulation.

Decannulation following tracheostomy in children: A systematic review of decannulation protocols

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic review of the existing pediatric decannulation protocols, including the role of polysomnography, and their clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Five online databases were searched from database inception to May 29, 2020. Study inclusion was limited to publications that evaluated tracheostomy decannulation in children 18 years of age and younger. Data extracted included patient demographics and primary indication for tracheostomy. Methods used to assess readiness for decannulation were noted including the use of bronchoscopy, tracheostomy tube modifications, and gas exchange measurements. After decannulation, details regarding mode of ventilation, location, and length of observation period, and clinical outcomes were also collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies including 1395 children were reviewed. Tracheostomy indications included upper airway obstruction at a well-defined anatomic site (35%), upper airway obstruction not at a well-defined site (12%) and need for long-term ventilation and pulmonary care (53%). Bronchoscopy was routinely used in 23 of 24 (96%) protocols. Tracheostomy tube modifications in the protocols included capping (n = 20, 83%), downsizing (n = 14, 58%), and fenestrations (n = 2, 8%). Measurements of gas exchange included polysomnography (n = 13/18, 72%), oximetry (n = 10/18, 56%), blood gases (n = 3,17%), and capnography (n = 3, 17%). After decannulation, children in 92% of protocols were transitioned to room air. Observation period of 48 h or less was used in 76% of children.

CONCLUSIONS

There exists large variability in pediatric decannulation protocols. Polysomnography plays an integral role in assessing most children for tracheostomy removal. Evidence-based guidelines to standardize pediatric tracheostomy care remain an urgent priority.

Tracheostomy trends in paediatric intensive care

Paediatric tracheostomy is most commonly performed in children on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to facilitate long-term ventilation. We sought to identify trends in UK tracheostomy practice in PICUs. Data were analysed from 250 261 admissions, including 4409 children tracheostomised between 2003 and 2017. The incidence of tracheostomy in 2017 was approximately half that in 2003 (incidence rate ratio=0.48, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.57). The percentage of patients tracheostomised during a PICU admission, as a proportion of all admissions, was 2.44% (n=319) in 2003 and reduced to 0.97% (n=180) in 2017. Nevertheless, we identified great variability in practice between different PICUs with tracheostomy rates between 0.0% and 4.0% of all admissions. Risk-adjusted PICU mortality was comparable between tracheostomised children and all admissions to PICU.

Back Transfer of Infants with Tracheostomies: A Regional Center Experience

We describe our center's experience with the back transfer of infants following tracheostomies. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants transferred to pediatric critical care units of our regional center with conditions originating in the neonatal period who underwent tracheostomy during the hospitalization within their first year of life between 2006 and 2017. Recovering patients are discharged home or transferred back to the referring hospitals. We evaluated patient characteristics, destination of discharge and type of pulmonary support at discharge, and mechanical ventilation (MV) or tracheotomy masks (TM). Of the 139 included patients, 72% were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit, 21% to the pediatric cardiothoracic unit, and 7% to the pediatric intensive care unit. Their median gestational age was 35 weeks. They were admitted at a median 22 days of life and lived at a median distance of 56 miles from our center. Furthermore, 34 infants (24%) were back transferred closer to their homes (23 with MV and 11 with TM), and 84 (60%) were discharged home (53 on MV and 31 on TM). Twenty-one patients (15%) died in the hospital (before discharge or transfer). Back transferred patients on MV had a significantly shorter duration between tracheostomy and transfer compared with those discharged home from our center: MV (median = 22 vs. 103 days, p < 0.0001) and TM (median = 13 vs. 35 days, p < 0.0001). Back transfer of infants with tracheostomies closer to their homes was associated with a significantly shorter hospitalization and more efficient use of the subspecialized resources at the RC.

Readmissions and mortality in pediatric tracheostomy patients: Are we doing enough?

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric patients who undergo tracheostomy tube placement are medically complex with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. They are often premature with multiple cardiopulmonary comorbidities. This study reviews the demographics and outcomes within this population to identify at-risk patient groups at our hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of those with pediatric tracheostomy placement from 2015 to 2016 at our hospital was performed (n = 92). Demographic and post-discharge data were collected at 30, 60, and 90-days during the global period.

RESULTS

Ventilator dependence was the most common reason for placement. 79.3% of patients had two or more major comorbidities. 44% had an emergency department (ED) visit and subsequent hospital admission within the first 90 days post-discharge, with 36% being trach/respiratory-related. The 90-day mortality was 19.6%; however, at the time of chart review, mortality was 35% with only 1 (1.1%) being from trach-related complications. Patients with longer admissions were more likely to die prior to discharge, p = .001. Lastly, patients who died were 3 times more likely to have > 25% no-shows to their outpatient appointments compared to those living throughout the study period.

CONCLUSION

Our population had a high incidence of ED visits, readmission rates, and mortality; however, trach-related causes remained low. Mortality risk increased with more no-show appointments and residing a further distance from our hospital. Furthermore, multiple co-morbidities, with longer hospital stays also increased risk of mortality. Identifying those with the highest risk for complications will enable us to target families for increased home-care education to decrease readmissions and mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Severe adverse events in children with tracheostomy and home mechanical ventilation - Comparison of pediatric home care and a specialized pediatric nursing care facility

BACKGROUND

Advances in medical care and ventilator technologies increase the number of children with tracheostomy and home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Data on severe adverse events in home care and in specialized nursing care facilities are limited.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of incidence and type of severe adverse events in children with tracheostomy and HMV in home care compared to a specialized nursing care facility over a 7-year period.

RESULTS

163.9 patient-years in 70 children (home care: 110.7 patient-years, 24 patients; nursing care facility: 53.2 patient-years, 46 patients) were analyzed. In 34 (48.6%) patients tracheostomy was initiated at the age of <1 year. 35 severe adverse events were identified, incidence of severe adverse events per patient-year was 0.21 (median 0.0 (0.0-3.0)). We observed no difference in the rate of severe adverse events between home care and specialized nursing care facility (0.21 [y-1]; median 0.0 (0.0-3.0) versus 0.23 [y-1]; median 0.0 (0.0-1.6); p = 0.690), however, significantly more tracheostomy related incidents and infections occurred in the home care setting. Young age (<1 year) (Odds ratio 3.27; p = 0.045) and feeding difficulties (nasogastric tubes and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) (Odds ratio 9.08; p = 0.016) significantly increased the risk of severe adverse events. Furthermore, the rate of severe adverse events was significantly higher in patients with a higher nursing score.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy is rarely associated with emergencies or adverse events in home care as well as in a specialized nursing care facility setting.

Respiratory, growth, and survival outcomes of infants with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence

BACKGROUND

Outcome of infants with tracheostomy have not been well described in the literature. Our objective was to describe the respiratory, growth, and survival outcomes of infants with tracheostomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 204 infants born between 2005 and 2015 with tracheostomy at <1 year of age and follow-up in the Infant Tracheostomy and Home Ventilator Clinic up to 4 years of age.

RESULTS

The mean age at tracheostomy was 4.5 months with median age of 3 months. Median age of decannulation was 32 months. The time from tracheostomy placement to complete discontinuation of mechanical ventilation was 15.4 months and from tracheostomy to decannulation was 33.8 months. Mortality rate was 21% and median age of death was 18 months. Preterm infants with acquired airway and lung disease (BPD) and born at <28 weeks' gestation had a significantly higher survival rate compared to term infants. The z-scores for weight and weight for length improved from the time of discharge (mean chronological age 6.5 months) to first year and remained consistent through 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Premature infants had a higher rate of discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and decannulation compared to term infants. These infants showed consistent growth and comparable survival rate.

IMPACT

Infants with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence followed in a multidisciplinary clinic model may have improved survival, growth, and earlier time to decannulation. Preterm infants with acquired airway and lung disease (BPD) with tracheostomy had a higher survival rate compared to term infants with various tracheostomy indications. The age at tracheostomy in infants was 4.5 months and of decannulation was 37 months. Time from tracheostomy to complete discontinuation of mechanical ventilation was 15.4 months. Addition of this data to the sparse literature will be crucial in counseling the families and education of medical staff.

Surgical tracheostomy in children with malignancy receiving intensive chemotherapy: A case series and review of literature

We retrospectively reviewed a paediatric intensive care unit database that supports a tertiary oncology service to explore safety and outcome of tracheostomy in oncology patients over a 12-year period and reviewed literature. A total of 895 patients were admitted with a haematological or a solid tumour malignancy of which 222 were ventilated. Six of 222 (2.7%) ventilated children were tracheostomised. Four of six children tracheostomised for ventilatory support received intensive chemotherapy complicated by neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. There was no significant tracheostomy-related complication. Tracheostomy improved patient comfort, reduced sedative requirement, and may have helped recovery. Tracheostomy should be considered early in selected children with haemato-oncological diagnoses requiring prolonged ventilation.