Early percutaneous tracheotomy versus prolonged intubation of mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery: a randomized trial

Tracheostomy is associated with decreased vasoactive-inotropic score in postoperative cardiac surgery patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation

Objective

We sought to quantify the influence that tracheostomy placement has on the hemodynamic stability of postoperative cardiac surgery patients with persistent ventilatory requirements.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center, and observational analysis of postoperative cardiac surgery patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation who underwent tracheostomy placement from 2018 to 2022 was conducted. Patients were excluded if receiving mechanical circulatory support or if they had an unrelated significant complication 3 days surrounding tracheostomy placement. Vasoactive and inotropic requirements were quantified using the Vasoactive-Inotrope Score.

Results

Sixty-one patients were identified, of whom 58 met inclusion criteria. The median vasoactive-inotrope score over the 3 days before tracheostomy compared with 3 days after decreased from 3.35 days (interquartile range, 0-8.79) to 0 days (interquartile range, 0-7.79 days) (P = .027). Graphic representation of this trend demonstrates a clear inflection point at the time of tracheostomy. Also, after tracheostomy placement, fewer patients were on vasoactive/inotropic infusions (67.2% [n = 39] pre vs 24.1% [n = 14] post; P < .001) and sedative infusions (62.1% [n = 36] pre vs 27.6% [n = 16] post; P < .001). The percent of patients on active mechanical ventilation did not differ.

Conclusions

The median vasoactive-inotrope score in cardiac surgery patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation was significantly reduced after tracheostomy placement. There was also a significant reduction in the number of patients on vasoactive/inotropic and sedative infusions 3 days after tracheostomy. These data suggest that tracheostomy has a positive effect on the hemodynamic stability of patients after cardiac surgery and should be considered to facilitate postoperative recovery.

Liberation from mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation is one of the most crucial processes in critical care because it is the first step by which a respiratory failure patient begins to transition out of the intensive care unit and return to their own life. Therefore, when devising appropriate strategies for removing mechanical ventilation, it is essential to consider not only the individual experiences of healthcare professionals, but also scientific and systematic approaches. Recently, numerous studies have investigated methods and tools for identifying when mechanically ventilated patients are ready to breathe on their own. The Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine therefore provides these recommendations to clinicians about liberation from the ventilator.

METHODS

Meta-analyses and comprehensive syntheses were used to thoroughly review, compile, and summarize the complete body of relevant evidence. All studies were meticulously assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method, and the outcomes were presented succinctly as evidence profiles. Those evidence syntheses were discussed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts in mechanical ventilation, who then developed and approved recommendations.

RESULTS

Recommendations for nine PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions about ventilator liberation are presented in this document. This guideline includes seven conditional recommendations, one expert consensus recommendation, and one conditional deferred recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed these clinical guidelines for mechanical ventilation liberation to provide meaningful recommendations. These guidelines reflect the best treatment for patients seeking liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Early tracheostomy after cardiac surgery improves intermediate- and long-term survival

OBJECTIVE

Complicated post-cardiac surgery course, can lead to both prolonged ICU stay and ventilation, and may require a tracheostomy. This study represents the single-center experience with post-cardiac surgery tracheostomy. The aim of this study was to assess the timing of tracheostomy as a risk factor for early, intermediate, and late mortality. The study's second aim was to assess the incidence of both superficial and deep sternal wound infections.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients were divided into 3 groups, according to the timing of tracheostomy; early (4-10 days); intermediate (11-20 days) and late (≥21 days).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

The primary outcomes were early, intermediate, and long-term mortality. The secondary outcome was the incidence of sternal wound infection.

RESULTS

During the 17-year study period, 12,782 patients underwent cardiac surgery, of whom 407 (3.18%) required postoperative tracheostomy. 147 (36.1%) had early, 195 (47.9%) intermediate, and 65 (16%) had a late tracheostomy. Early, 30-day, and in-hospital mortality was similar for all groups. However, patients, who underwent early- and intermediate tracheostomy, demonstrated statistically significant lower mortality after 1- and 5-year (42.8%; 57.4%; 64.6%; and 55.8%; 68.7%; 75.4%, respectively; P < .001). Cox model demonstrated age [1.025 (1.014-1.036)] and timing of tracheostomy [0.315 (0.159-0.757)] had significant impacts on mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a relationship between the timing of tracheostomy after cardiac surgery and mortality: early tracheostomy (within 4-10 days of mechanical ventilation) is associated with better intermediate- and long-term survival.

Sample size estimation in clinical trials using ventilator-free days as the primary outcome: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-free days (VFDs) are a composite endpoint increasingly used as the primary outcome in critical care trials. However, because of the skewed distribution and competitive risk between components, sample size estimation remains challenging. This systematic review was conducted to systematically assess whether the sample size was congruent, as calculated to evaluate VFDs in trials, with VFDs' distribution and the impact of alternative methods on sample size estimation.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted within the PubMed and Embase databases for randomized clinical trials in adults with VFDs as the primary outcome until December 2021. We focused on peer-reviewed journals with 2021 impact factors greater than five. After reviewing definitions of VFDs, we extracted the sample size and methods used for its estimation. The data were collected by two independent investigators and recorded in a standardized, pilot-tested forms tool. Sample sizes were calculated using alternative statistical approaches, and risks of bias were assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

Of the 26 clinical trials included, 19 (73%) raised "some concerns" when assessing risks of bias. Twenty-four (92%) trials were two-arm superiority trials, and 23 (89%) were conducted at multiple sites. Almost all the trials (96%) were unable to consider the unique distribution of VFDs and death as a competitive risk. Moreover, significant heterogeneity was found in the definitions of VFDs, especially regarding varying start time and type of respiratory support. Methods for sample size estimation were also heterogeneous, and simple models, such as the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon rank-sum test, were used in 14 (54%) trials. Finally, the sample sizes calculated varied by a factor of 1.6 to 17.4.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized definition and methodology for VFDs, including the use of a core outcome set, seems to be required. Indeed, this could facilitate the interpretation of findings in clinical trials, as well as their construction, especially the sample size estimation which is a trade-off between cost, ethics, and statistical power. Systematic review registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282304. Registered 15 December 2021 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021282304 ).

Does Tracheostomy Improve Outcomes in Those Receiving Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?

Patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) often require extended periods of ventilation. We examined the role of tracheostomy on outcomes of patients supported with VV-ECMO. We reviewed all patients at our institution who received VV-ECMO between 2013 and 2019. Patients who received a tracheostomy were compared with VV-ECMO-supported patients without tracheostomy. The primary outcome measure was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcome measures included length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay and adverse events related to the tracheostomy procedure. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. We dichotomized patients receiving tracheostomy into an "early" and "late" group based on median days to tracheostomy following ECMO cannulation and separate analysis was performed. One hundred and fifty patients met inclusion criteria, 32 received a tracheostomy. Survival to discharge was comparable between the groups (53.1% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.658). Predictors of mortality on multivariable analysis included Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) score (odds ratio [OR] = 0.831, p = .015) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR = 1.026, p = 0.011). Tracheostomy performance was not predictive of mortality (OR = 0.837, p = 0.658). Bleeding requiring intervention occurred in 18.7% of patients following tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy (<7 days from the initiation of VV-ECMO) was associated with shorter ICU (25 vs. 36 days, p = 0.04) and hospital (33 vs. 47, p = 0.017) length of stay compared with late tracheostomy. We conclude that tracheostomy can be performed safely in patients receiving VV-ECMO. Mortality in these patients is predicted by severity of the underlying disease. Performance of tracheostomy does not impact survival. Early tracheostomy may decrease length of stay.

Variation in tracheostomy placement and outcomes following pediatric trauma among adult, pediatric, and combined trauma centers

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy placement is much more common in adults than children following severe trauma. We evaluated whether tracheostomy rates and outcomes differ for pediatric patients treated at trauma centers that primarily care for children versus adults.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients younger than 18 years in the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2016 treated at a Level I/II pediatric, adult, or combined adult/pediatric trauma center, ventilated >24 hours, and who survived to discharge. We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, insurance, injury mechanism and body region, and Injury Severity Score to estimate the association between the three trauma center types and tracheostomy. We used augmented inverse probability weighting to model the likelihood of tracheostomy based on the propensity for treatment at a pediatric, adult, or combined trauma center, and estimated associations between trauma center type with length of stay and postdischarge care.

RESULTS

Among 33,602 children, tracheostomies were performed in 4.2% of children in pediatric centers, 7.8% in combined centers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-1.81), and 11.2% in adult centers (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.48-2.22). After propensity matching, the estimated average tracheostomy rate would be 62.9% higher (95% CI, 37.7-88.1%) at combined centers and 85.3% higher (56.6-113.9%) at adult centers relative to pediatric centers. Tracheostomy patients had longer hospital stay in pediatric centers than combined (-4.4 days, -7.4 to -1.3 days) or adult (-4.0 days, -7.2 to -0.9 days) centers, but fewer children required postdischarge inpatient care (70.1% pediatric vs. 81.3% combined [aOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.03-4.31] and 82.4% adult centers [aOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.31-4.83]).

CONCLUSION

Children treated at pediatric trauma centers have lower likelihood of tracheostomy than children treated at combined adult/pediatric or adult centers independent of patient or injury characteristics. Better understanding of optimal indications for tracheostomy is necessary to improve processes of care for children treated throughout the pediatric trauma system.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Impact of Early Tracheostomy Versus Late or No Tracheostomy in Nonneurologically Injured Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The optimal timing of tracheostomy in nonneurologically injured mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of early versus late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation in this population.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of science databases for randomized controlled trials comparing early tracheostomy (<10 d of intubation) with late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation in adults.

DATA SELECTION

We selected trials comparing early tracheostomy (defined as being performed less than 10 d after intubation) with late tracheostomy (performed on or after the 10th day of intubation) or prolonged intubation and no tracheostomy in nonneurologically injured patients. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventilator-associated pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU, and hospital length of stay.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers screened citations, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and classification of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation independently.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Our search strategy yielded 8,275 citations, from which nine trials (n = 2,457) were included. We did not observe an effect on the overall mortality of early tracheostomy compared with late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation (risk ratio, 0.91, 95% CI, 0.82-1.01; I2 = 18%). Our results were consistent in all subgroup analyses. No differences were observed in ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of ventilator-acquired pneumonia, and complications. Our trial sequential analysis showed that our primary analysis on mortality was likely underpowered.

CONCLUSION

In our systematic review, we observed that early tracheostomy, as compared with late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation, was not associated with a reduction in overall mortality. However, we cannot exclude a clinically relevant reduction in mortality considering the level of certainty of the evidence. A well-designed trial is needed to answer this important clinical question.

Sedation, sleep-promotion, and non-verbal and verbal communication techniques in critically ill intubated or tracheostomized patients: results of a survey

BACKGROUND

The aim of this survey was to describe, on a patient basis, the current practice of sedation, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures to promote sleep and facilitation of communication in critically ill patients oro-tracheally intubated or tracheostomized.

METHODS

Cross-sectional online-survey evaluating sedation, sleep management and communication in oro-tracheally intubated (IP) or tracheostomized (TP) patients in intensive care units on a single point.

RESULTS

Eighty-one intensive care units including 447 patients (IP: n = 320, TP: n = 127) participated. A score of ≤ -2 on the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) was prevalent in 58.2% (IP 70.7% vs. TP 26.8%). RASS -1/0 was present in 32.2% (IP 25.9% vs. TP 55.1%) of subjects. Propofol and alpha-2-agonist were the predominant sedatives used while benzodiazepines were applied in only 12.1% of patients. For sleep management, ear plugs and sleeping masks were rarely used (< 7%). In half of the participating intensive care units a technique for phonation was used in the tracheostomized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall rate of moderate and deep sedation appears high, particularly in oro-tracheally intubated patients. There is no uniform sleep management and ear plugs and sleeping masks are only rarely applied. The application of phonation techniques in tracheostomized patients during assisted breathing is low. More efforts should be directed towards improved guideline implementation. The enhancement of sleep promotion and communication techniques in non-verbal critically ill patients may be a focus of future guideline development.

Association Between Tracheostomy and Functional, Neuropsychological, and Healthcare Utilization Outcomes in the RECOVER Cohort

Tracheostomy is commonly performed in critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). We evaluated the outcomes of tracheostomy in patients who received greater than or equal to 1 week MV and were followed for 1 year.

DESIGN

In this secondary analysis of a prospective observational study, we compared outcomes in tracheostomy versus nontracheostomy patients. Outcomes post ICU included Functional Independence Measure (FIM) subscales, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Form 36 (SF36), Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), Impact of Event Scale (IES), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and vital status and disposition.

SETTING

Nine University affiliated ICUs in Canada.

PATIENTS

Medical/surgical patients requiring MV for 7 or more days who were enrolled in the Towards RECOVER Study.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 398 ICU survivors, 193 (48.5%) received tracheostomy, on median ICU day 14 (interquartile range [IQR], 8-0 d). Patients with tracheostomy were older, had similar severity of illness, had longer MV duration and ICU and hospital stays, and had higher risk of ICU readmission (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.2) and hospital mortality (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.1), but not 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.88-1.2). Over 1 year, tracheostomy patients had lower FIM-Total (7.7 points; 95% CI, 2.2-13.2); SF36, IES, and BDI-II were similar. From 3 months, tracheostomy patients had 12% lower 6MWT (p = 0.0008) and lower MRC score (3.4 points; p = 0.006). Most PFTs were 5-8% lower in the tracheostomy group. Tracheostomy patients had similar specialist visits (rate ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.28-2.4) and hospital readmissions (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.54-1.3) but were less likely to be at home at hospital discharge and 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received tracheostomy had more ICU and hospital care and higher hospital mortality compared with patients who did not receive a tracheostomy. In 1 year follow-up, tracheostomy patients required a higher daily burden of care, expressed by FIM.

A 30-day Survival and Safety of Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients: A Single-center Experience

Aims and objectives

In coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, guidelines on timing and method of tracheostomy are evolving. The aim of the study was to analyze the outcomes of moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients who required tracheostomy and the safety with regard to the risk of transmission to the healthcare workers.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 30-day survival outcome of a total of 70 moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients on a ventilator, wherein tracheostomy was performed only in 28 (tracheostomy group), and the remaining were with endotracheal intubation beyond 7 days (non-tracheostomy group). Besides demographics, comorbidities and clinical data including 30-day survival and complications of tracheostomy were analyzed in both groups with respect to the timing of tracheostomy from the day of intubation. Healthcare workers were monitored for COVID-19 symptoms by carrying out periodical COVID tests.

Results

The 30-day survival of the tracheostomy group was 75% as compared to 26.2% of the non-tracheostomy group. The majority of the patients (71.4%) had severe disease with PaO₂/FiO₂ (P/F ratio) <100. The first wave showed an 80% (4/5) while the second wave 100% (8/8) thirty days survival in the tracheostomy group performed before 13 days. All patients during the second wave underwent tracheostomy before 13 days with a median of 12th day from the day of intubation. These tracheostomies were performed percutaneously at the bedside, without any major complications and no transmission of disease to healthcare workers.

Conclusion

Early percutaneous tracheostomy within 13 days of intubation demonstrated a good 30-day survival rate in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients.

How to cite this article

Shah M, Bhatuka N, Shalia K, Patel M. A 30-day Survival and Safety of Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients: A Single-center Experience. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(10):1120-1125.

Bayesian analysis of a systematic review of early versus late tracheostomy in ICU patients

Background

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of early vs late tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients suggest that early tracheostomy reduces the duration of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, but does not reduce short-term mortality or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Meta-analysis of randomised trials is typically performed using a frequentist approach, and although reporting confidence intervals, interpretation is usually based on statistical significance. To provide a robust basis for clinical decision-making, we completed the search used from the previous review and analysed the data using Bayesian methods to estimate posterior probabilities of the effect of early tracheostomy on clinical outcomes.

Methods

The search was completed for RCTS comparing early vs late tracheostomy in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library in June 2022. Effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the outcomes short-term mortality, VAP, duration of ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation. A Bayesian meta-analysis was performed with uninformative priors. Risk ratios (RRs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% credible intervals were reported alongside posterior probabilities for any benefit (RR<1; SMD<0), a small benefit (number needed to treat, 200; SMD<–0.5), or modest benefit (number needed to treat, 100; SMD<–1).

Results

Nineteen RCTs with 3508 patients were included. Comparing patients with early vs late tracheostomy, the posterior probabilities for any benefit, small benefit, and modest benefit, respectively, were: 99%, 99%, and 99% for short-term mortality; 94%, 78%, and 51% for VAP; 97%, 43%, and 1% for duration of mechanical ventilation; and 97%, 75%, and 27% and for length of ICU stay.

Conclusions

Bayesian meta-analysis suggests a high probability that early tracheostomy compared with delayed tracheostomy has at least some benefit across all clinical outcomes considered.

Mortality Risk Factors in Patients Admitted with the Primary Diagnosis of Tracheostomy Complications: An Analysis of 8026 Patients

Background: Tracheostomy is a procedure commonly conducted in patients undergoing emergency admission and requires prolonged mechanical ventilation. In the present study, the aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of mortality among emergently admitted patients with tracheostomy complications, during the years 2005−2014. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Demographics and clinical data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample, 2005−2014, to evaluate elderly (65+ years) and non-elderly adult patients (18−64 years) with tracheostomy complications (ICD-9 code, 519) who underwent emergency admission. A multivariable logistic regression model with backward elimination was used to identify the association between predictors and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 4711 non-elderly and 3315 elderly patients were included. Females included 44.5% of the non-elderly patients and 47.6% of the elderly patients. In total, 181 (3.8%) non-elderly patients died, of which 48.1% were female, and 163 (4.9%) elderly patients died, of which 48.5% were female. The mean (SD) age of the non-elderly patients was 50 years and for elderly patients was 74 years. The mean age at the time of death of non-elderly patients was 53 years and for elderly patients was 75 years. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval, p-value) of some of the pertinent risk factors for mortality showed by the final regression model were older age (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.001−1.013, p < 0.02), longer hospital length of stay (OR = 1.008, 95% CI: 1.001−1.016, p < 0.18), cardiac disease (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.48−4.15, p < 0.001), and liver disease (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.73−3.93, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Age, hospital length of stay, and several comorbidities have been shown to be significant risk factors in in-hospital mortality in patients admitted emergently with the primary diagnosis of tracheostomy complications. Each year of age increased the risk of mortality by 0.7% and each additional day in the hospital increased it by 0.8%.

ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021

Background

The joint committee of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Japanese Respiratory Society/Japanese Society of Respiratory Care Medicine on ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline has created and released the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021.

Methods

The 2016 edition of the Clinical Practice Guideline covered clinical questions (CQs) that targeted only adults, but the present guideline includes 15 CQs for children in addition to 46 CQs for adults. As with the previous edition, we used a systematic review method with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system as well as a degree of recommendation determination method. We also conducted systematic reviews that used meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy and network meta-analyses as a new method.

Results

Recommendations for adult patients with ARDS are described: we suggest against using serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels to identify bacterial pneumonia as the underlying disease (GRADE 2D); we recommend limiting tidal volume to 4–8 mL/kg for mechanical ventilation (GRADE 1D); we recommend against managements targeting an excessively low SpO₂ (PaO₂) (GRADE 2D); we suggest against using transpulmonary pressure as a routine basis in positive end-expiratory pressure settings (GRADE 2B); we suggest implementing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for those with severe ARDS (GRADE 2B); we suggest against using high-dose steroids (GRADE 2C); and we recommend using low-dose steroids (GRADE 1B). The recommendations for pediatric patients with ARDS are as follows: we suggest against using non-invasive respiratory support (non-invasive positive pressure ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy) (GRADE 2D), we suggest placing pediatric patients with moderate ARDS in the prone position (GRADE 2D), we suggest against routinely implementing NO inhalation therapy (GRADE 2C), and we suggest against implementing daily sedation interruption for pediatric patients with respiratory failure (GRADE 2D).

Conclusions

This article is a translated summary of the full version of the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021 published in Japanese (URL: https://www.jsicm.org/publication/guideline.html). The original text, which was written for Japanese healthcare professionals, may include different perspectives from healthcare professionals of other countries.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40560-022-00615-6.

ARDS clinical practice guideline 2021

BACKGROUND

The joint committee of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Japanese Respiratory Society/Japanese Society of Respiratory Care Medicine on ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline has created and released the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021.

METHODS

The 2016 edition of the Clinical Practice Guideline covered clinical questions (CQs) that targeted only adults, but the present guideline includes 15 CQs for children in addition to 46 CQs for adults. As with the previous edition, we used a systematic review method with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system as well as a degree of recommendation determination method. We also conducted systematic reviews that used meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy and network meta-analyses as a new method.

RESULTS

Recommendations for adult patients with ARDS are described: we suggest against using serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels to identify bacterial pneumonia as the underlying disease (GRADE 2D); we recommend limiting tidal volume to 4-8 mL/kg for mechanical ventilation (GRADE 1D); we recommend against managements targeting an excessively low SpO₂ (PaO₂) (GRADE 2D); we suggest against using transpulmonary pressure as a routine basis in positive end-expiratory pressure settings (GRADE 2B); we suggest implementing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for those with severe ARDS (GRADE 2B); we suggest against using high-dose steroids (GRADE 2C); and we recommend using low-dose steroids (GRADE 1B). The recommendations for pediatric patients with ARDS are as follows: we suggest against using non-invasive respiratory support (non-invasive positive pressure ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy) (GRADE 2D); we suggest placing pediatric patients with moderate ARDS in the prone position (GRADE 2D); we suggest against routinely implementing NO inhalation therapy (GRADE 2C); and we suggest against implementing daily sedation interruption for pediatric patients with respiratory failure (GRADE 2D).

CONCLUSIONS

This article is a translated summary of the full version of the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021 published in Japanese (URL: https://www.jrs.or.jp/publication/jrs_guidelines/). The original text, which was written for Japanese healthcare professionals, may include different perspectives from healthcare professionals of other countries.

TTCOV19: timing of tracheotomy in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients: a multicentre, single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Critically ill COVID-19 patients may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome and the need for respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Previous observational studies have suggested early tracheotomy to be advantageous. The aim of this parallel, multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the optimal timing of tracheotomy.

METHODS

SARS-CoV-2-infected patients within the Region Västra Götaland of Sweden who needed intubation and mechanical respiratory support were included and randomly assigned to early tracheotomy (≤ 7 days after intubation) or late tracheotomy (≥ 10 days after intubation). The primary objective was to compare the total number of mechanical ventilation days between the groups.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty patients (mean age 65 years, 79% males) were included. Seventy-two patients were assigned to early tracheotomy, and 78 were assigned to late tracheotomy. One hundred two patients (68%) underwent tracheotomy of whom sixty-one underwent tracheotomy according to the protocol. The overall median number of days in mechanical ventilation was 18 (IQR 9; 28), but no significant difference was found between the two treatment regimens in the intention-to-treat analysis (between-group difference: - 1.5 days (95% CI - 5.7 to 2.8); p = 0.5). A significantly reduced number of mechanical ventilation days was found in the early tracheotomy group during the per-protocol analysis (between-group difference: - 8.0 days (95% CI - 13.8 to - 2.27); p = 0.0064). The overall correlation between the timing of tracheotomy and days of mechanical ventilation was significant (Spearman's correlation: 0.39, p < 0.0001). The total death rate during intensive care was 32.7%, but no significant differences were found between the groups regarding survival, complications or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential superiority of early tracheotomy when compared to late tracheotomy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 was not confirmed by the present randomized controlled trial but is a strategy that should be considered in selected cases where the need for MV for more than 14 days cannot be ruled out. Trial registration NCT04412356 , registered 05/24/2020.

A Predictive Scoring Model for Postoperative Tracheostomy in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery

Background

A subset of patients require a tracheostomy as respiratory support in a severe state after cardiac surgery. There are limited data to assess the predictors for requiring postoperative tracheostomy (POT) in cardiac surgical patients.

Methods

The records of adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2016 to 2019 at our institution were reviewed. Univariable analysis was used to assess the possible risk factors for POT. Then multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. A predictive scoring model was established with predictor assigned scores derived from each regression coefficient divided by the smallest one. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the risk score, respectively.

Results

A total of 5,323 cardiac surgical patients were included, with 128 (2.4%) patients treated with tracheostomy after cardiac surgery. Patients with POT had a higher frequency of readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU), longer stay, and higher mortality (p &lt; 0.001). Mixed valve surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic surgery, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary edema, age &gt;60 years, and emergent surgery were independent predictors. A 9-point risk score was generated based on the multivariable model, showing good discrimination [the concordance index (c-index): 0.837] and was well-calibrated.

Conclusions

We established and verified a predictive scoring model for POT in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The scoring model was conducive to risk stratification and may provide meaningful information for clinical decision-making.

Factors associated with short versus prolonged tracheostomy length of cannulation and the relationship between length of cannulation and adverse events

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy management and care is multifaceted and costly, commonly involving complex patients with prolonged hospitalisation. Currently, there are no agreed definitions of short and prolonged length of tracheostomy cannulation (LOC) and no consensus regarding the key factors that may be associated with time to decannulation.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to identify the factors associated with short and prolonged LOC and to examine the number of tracheostomy-related adverse events of patients who had short LOC versus prolonged LOC.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was undertaken at a large metropolitan tertiary hospital. Factors known at the time of tracheostomy insertion, including patient, acuity, medical, airway, and tracheostomy factors, were analysed using Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with statistically significant factors then analysed using univariate logistic regression to determine a relationship to short or prolonged LOC as defined by the lowest and highest quartiles of the study cohort. The number of tracheostomy-related adverse events was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients who had their tracheostomy performed for loss of upper airway were associated with short LOC (odds ratio [OR]: 2.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-5.25) p = 0.049). Three factors were associated with prolonged LOC: an abdominal/gastrointestinal tract diagnosis (OR: 5.00 [95% CI: 1.40-17.87] p = 0.013), major surgery (OR: 2.51 [95% CI: 1.05-6.01] p = 0.038), and intubation for >12 days (OR: 0.30 [95% CI: 0.09-0.97] p = 0.044). Patients who had one or ≥2 tracheostomy-related adverse events had a high likelihood of prolonged LOC (OR: 5.21 [95% CI: 1.95-13.94] p = ≤0.001 and OR: 12.17 [95% CI: 2.68-55.32] p ≤ 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Some factors that are known at the time of tracheostomy insertion are associated with duration of tracheostomy cannulation. Tracheostomy-related adverse events are related to a high risk of prolonged LOC.

Long-term laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Long-term laryngotracheal complications have not been described in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients at high risk for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery between 2006 and 2016 was performed. High-risk patients were reviewed to determine the presence of laryngotracheal complications including laryngotracheal stenosis, keyhole deformity, or vocal cord immobility. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of long-term laryngotracheal complications.

RESULTS

Of 11,417 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, 1099 were identified as at high risk. Of these, 24 (2.2%) developed laryngotracheal complications following their surgery and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Laryngotracheal stenosis and keyhole deformity were present in 13 (1.2%) and 6 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated older age (age ≥ 70 odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.83) was protective, while readmission to ICU for ventilation (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.17-8.25) and receiving a tracheostomy (OR 7.83, 95% CI 2.22-27.6) were associated with laryngotracheal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of long-term laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery was 2.2%. Readmission to ICU for ventilation and having a tracheostomy performed were associated with laryngotracheal complications.

Association of Early vs Late Tracheostomy Placement With Pneumonia and Ventilator Days in Critically Ill Patients: A Meta-analysis

Importance

The timing of tracheostomy placement in adult patients undergoing critical care remains unestablished. Previous meta-analyses have reported mixed findings regarding early vs late tracheostomy placement for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator days, mortality, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization.

Objective

To compare the association of early (≤7 days) vs late tracheotomy with VAP and ventilator days in critically ill adults.

Data Sources

A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, references of relevant articles, previous meta-analyses, and gray literature from inception to March 31, 2020, was performed.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials comparing early and late tracheotomy with any of our primary outcomes, VAP or ventilator days, were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two independent reviewers conducted all stages of the review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or the mean difference (MD) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes included VAP and duration of mechanical ventilation. Intensive care unit days and mortality (within the first 30 days of hospitalization) constituted secondary outcomes.

Results

Seventeen unique trials with a cumulative 3145 patients (mean [SD] age range, 32.9 [12.7] to 67.9 [17.6] years) were included in this review. Individuals undergoing early tracheotomy had a decrease in the occurrence of VAP (OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.35-0.99]; 1894 patients) and experienced more ventilator-free days (MD, 1.74 [95% CI, 0.48-3.00] days; 1243 patients). Early tracheotomy also resulted in fewer ICU days (MD, -6.25 [95% CI, -11.22 to -1.28] days; 2042 patients). Mortality was reported for 2445 patients and was comparable between groups (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.38-1.15]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Compared with late tracheotomy, early intervention was associated with lower VAP rates and shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but not with reduced short-term, all-cause mortality. These findings have substantial clinical implications and may result in practice changes regarding the timing of tracheotomy in severely ill adults requiring mechanical ventilation.

Tracheostomy management in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an International Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background

Current practices regarding tracheostomy in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory distress syndrome are unknown. Our objectives were to assess the prevalence and the association between the timing of tracheostomy (during or after ECMO weaning) and related complications, sedative, and analgesic use.

Methods

International, multicenter, retrospective study in four large volume ECMO centers during a 9-year period.

Results

Of the 1,168 patients treated with ECMO for severe ARDS (age 48 ± 16 years, 76% male, SAPS II score 51 ± 18) during the enrollment period, 353 (30%) and 177 (15%) underwent tracheostomy placement during or after ECMO, respectively. Severe complications were uncommon in both groups. Local bleeding within 24 h of tracheostomy was four times more frequent during ECMO (25 vs 7% after ECMO, p < 0.01). Cumulative sedative consumption decreased more rapidly after the procedure with sedative doses almost negligible 48–72 h later, when tracheostomy was performed after ECMO decannulation (p < 0.01). A significantly increased level of consciousness was observed within 72 h after tracheostomy in the “after ECMO” group, whereas it was unchanged in the “during-ECMO” group.

Conclusion

In contrast to patients undergoing tracheostomy after ECMO decannulation, tracheostomy during ECMO was neither associated with a decrease in sedation and analgesia levels nor with an increase in the level of consciousness. This finding together with a higher risk of local bleeding in the days following the procedure reinforces the need for a case-by-case discussion on the balance between risks and benefits of tracheotomy when performed during ECMO.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03649-8.

Tracheostomy Timing and Outcome in Severe COVID-19: The WeanTrach Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy can be performed safely in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about the optimal timing, effects on outcome, and complications.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective, observational study. This study included 153 tracheostomized COVID-19 patients from 11 intensive care units (ICUs). The primary endpoint was the median time to tracheostomy in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Secondary endpoints were survival rate, length of ICU stay, and post-tracheostomy complications, stratified by tracheostomy timing (early versus late) and technique (surgical versus percutaneous).

RESULTS

The median time to tracheostomy was 15 (1-64) days. There was no significant difference in survival between critically ill COVID-19 patients who received tracheostomy before versus after day 15, nor between surgical and percutaneous techniques. ICU length of stay was shorter with early compared to late tracheostomy (p < 0.001) and percutaneous compared to surgical tracheostomy (p = 0.050). The rate of lower respiratory tract infections was higher with surgical versus percutaneous technique (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Among critically ill patients with COVID-19, neither early nor percutaneous tracheostomy improved outcomes, but did shorten ICU stay. Infectious complications were less frequent with percutaneous than surgical tracheostomy.

Surgical strategy and optimal timing of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: Early experiences in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Tracheostomy is an important surgical procedure for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients who underwent prolonged tracheal intubation. Surgical indication of tracheostomy is greatly affected by the general condition of the patient, comorbidity, prognosis, hospital resources, and staff experience. Thus, the optimal timing of tracheostomy remains controversial.

METHODS

We reviewed our early experience with COVID-19 patients who underwent tracheostomy at one tertiary hospital in Japan from February to September 2020 and analyzed the timing of tracheostomy, operative results, and occupational infection in healthcare workers (HCWs).

RESULTS

Of 16 patients received tracheal intubation with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, five patients (31%) received surgical tracheostomy in our hospital. The average consultation time for surgical tracheostomy was 7.4 days (range, 6 - 9 days) from the COVID-19 team to the otolaryngologist. The duration from tracheal intubation to tracheostomy ranged from 14 to 27 days (average, 20 days). The average time of tracheostomy was 27 min (range, 17 - 39 min), and post-wound bleeding occurred in only one patient. No significant differences in hemoglobin (Hb) levels were found between the pre- and postoperative periods (mean: 10.2 vs. 10.2 g/dl, p = 0.93). Similarly, no difference was found in white blood cell (WBC) count (mean: 12,200 vs. 9,900 cells /µl, p = 0.25). After the tracheostomy, there was no occupational infection among the HCWs who assisted the tracheostomy patients during the perioperative period.

CONCLUSION

We proposed a modified weaning protocol and surgical indications of tracheostomy for COVID-19 patients and recommend that an optimal timing for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients of 2 - 3 weeks after tracheal intubation, from our early experiences in Japan. An experienced multi-disciplinary tracheostomy team is essential to perform a safe tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 and to minimize the risk of occupational infection in HCWs.

Hospital outcomes for pediatric heart transplant recipients undergoing tracheostomy: A multi-institutional analysis

Tracheostomy is associated with increased mortality and resource utilization in children with CHD. However, the prevalence and hospital outcomes of tracheostomy in children with HTx are not known. We describe the prevalence and compare the post-HTx hospital outcomes of pediatric patients with Pre-TT and Post-TT to those without tracheostomy. A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was performed using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Hospital mortality, mediastinitis, LOS, and costs were compared among patients with Pre-TT, Post-TT, and no tracheostomy. Pre-TT was identified in 29 (1.1%) and Post-TT was identified in 41 (1.6%) of 2603 index HTx hospitalizations. Patients with Pre-TT were younger and more likely to have CHD, a non-cardiac birth defect, or an airway anomaly compared to those without Pre-TT. Pre-TT was not independently associated with increased post-HTx in-hospital mortality. Age at HTx < 1 year, CHD, and Post-TT were associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Pre-TT that occurred during the HTx hospitalization and Post-TT were associated with increased resource utilization. Tracheostomy was not associated with mediastinitis.

Tracheostomy in Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients—The Earlier, the Better

Objectives This study was aimed to assess the benefits of early tracheostomy (ET) compared with late tracheostomy (LT) on postoperative outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgical patients.

Design Present one is a prospective, observational study.

Setting The study was conducted at a cardiac surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital.

Participants All pediatric patients below 10 years of age, who underwent tracheostomy after cardiac surgery from January2019 to december2019, were subdivided into two groups according to the timing of tracheostomy: “early” if done before 7 days or “late” if done after 7 days postcardiac surgery.

Interventions ET versus LT was measured in the study.

Results Out of all 1,084 pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery over the study period, 41 (3.7%) received tracheostomy. Sixteen (39%) patients underwent ET and 25 (61%) underwent LT. ET had advantages by having reduced risk associations with the following variables: preoperative hospital stay (p = 0.0016), sepsis (p = 0.03), high risk surgery (p = 0.04), postoperative sepsis (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (p = 0.04), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; p = 0.006), antibiotic escalation (p = 0.006), and antifungal therapy (p = 0.01) requirement. Furthermore, ET was associated with lesser duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.0027), length of ICU stay (LOICUS; p = 0.01), length of hospital stay (LOHS; p = 0.001), lesser days of feed interruption (p = 0.0017), and tracheostomy tube change (p = 0.02). ET group of children, who had higher total ventilation-free days (p = 0.02), were decannulated earlier (p = 0.03) and discharged earlier (p = 0.0089).

Conclusion ET had significant benefits in reduction of postoperative morbidities with overall shorter mechanical ventilation, LOICUS, and LOHS, better nutrition supplementation, lesser infection, etc. These benefits may promote faster patient convalescence and rehabilitation with reduced hospital costs.

Tracheostomy in patients with SARS-CoV-2 reduces time on mechanical ventilation but not intensive care unit stay

Cross-sectional study to know if tracheostomy influences the time on mechanical ventilation and reduces the ICU stay in patients with SARS-CoV2. From February 14 to May 31, 2020, 29 patients: 23 men and 6 women, with an average age (SD) of 66.4 years (±6,2) required tracheostomy. The average intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 36 days [31–56.5]. The average days on mechanical ventilation was 28,5 days (±9.7). Mean time to tracheostomy was 15.2 days (±9.5) with an average disconnection time after procedure of 11.3 days (±7.4). The average hospital stay was 55 days [39–79]. A directly proportional relation between the number of days of MV and the number of days from ICU admission until tracheostomy showed a significant value of p = 0.008. For each day of delay in tracheostomy, the days of mechanical ventilation were increased by 0.6 days. There was no relation between days to tracheostomy and days to disconnection (p = 0.092). PaO2 / FiO2 (PAFI) before tracheostomy and Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) at admission presented a statistical relation with mortality, with an OR of 1.683 (95%CI; 0.926–2.351; p = 0.078) and an OR of 1.312 (CI95%: 1.011–1.703; p = 0.034) respectively. The length of stay in the ICU until the tracheostomy was not related to the risk of death (p = 0.682). PEEP and PaO2/FiO2 (PAFI) at admission and before tracheostomy and APACHE II, SAPS III and SOFA at admission did not show influence over time on MV. We conclude that the delay in tracheostomy increase the days on mechanical ventilation but does not influence stay or mortality.

Early tracheostomy in stroke patients: A meta-analysis and comparison with late tracheostomy

Tracheostomy (TQT) timing and its benefits is a current discussion in medical society. We aimed to compare the outcomes of early (ET) versus late tracheostomy (LT) in stroke patients with systematic review and meta-analysis, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Five hundred and nineteen studies were retrieved, whereas three were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. There were 5636 patients in the ET group (3151 male, 2470 female, 15 not reported - NR) and 7637 patients in the LT group (4098 male, 3542 female, and 33 NR). ET was significantly associated with fewer days in the hospital (weighted mean difference: -7.73 [95 % CI -8.59-6.86], p < 0.001) and reduced cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (risk difference: 0.71 [95 % CI 0.62-0.81], p < 0.001). There were no between-group statistical differences in intensive care unit stay duration, mechanical ventilation duration, or mortality. The findings from this meta-analysis cannot state that ET in severe stroke patients contributes to better outcomes when compared with LT. Scandalized assessments and randomized trials are encourage for better assessment.

Early versus late tracheotomy in ICU patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and investigate whether early tracheotomy can improve clinical endpoints compared with late tracheotomy in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched in August 2019. The investigated outcomes were calculated using relative risks (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through the random-effects model for categories and continuous data, respectively.

RESULTS

The electronic searches yielded 2289 records, including 15 RCTs comprising a total of 3003 patients and found to be relevant for the final quantitative analysis. The summary RRs that indicated early versus late tracheotomy were not associated with the risk of short-term mortality (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.74-1.03; P = .114) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.78-1.04; P = .156). Moreover, early tracheotomy was associated with shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (SMD: -1.81; 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.99; P < .001) and mechanical ventilation duration (SMD: -1.17; 95% CI: -2.10 to -0.24; P = .014). Finally, no significant difference was observed between early and late tracheotomy for hospital stay (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -1.36-0.52; P = .377).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis suggests that early tracheotomy can reduce the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration, but the timing of the tracheotomy was not associated with the short-term clinical endpoints in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Safety and Feasibility of a Novel Protocol for Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Patients with Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19 Infection: A Single Center Experience

Introduction

The rapidly spreading Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) appeared to be a highly transmissible pathogen in healthcare environments and had resulted in a significant number of patients with respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy, an aerosol-generating procedure that places healthcare workers at high risk of contracting the infection. Instead of deferring or delaying the procedure, we developed and implemented a novel percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) protocol aimed at minimizing the risk of transmission while maintaining favorable procedural outcome. Patients and Methods. All patients who underwent PDT per novel protocol were included in the study. The key element of the protocol was the use of apnea during the critical part of the insertion and upon any opening of the ventilator circuit. This was coupled with the use of enhanced personnel protection equipment (PPE) with a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). The operators underwent antibody serology testing and were evaluated for COVID-19 symptoms two weeks from the last procedure included in the study.

Results

Between March 12th and June 30th, 2020, a total of 32 patients underwent PDT per novel protocol. The majority (80%) were positive for COVID-19 at the time of the procedure. The success rate was 94%. Only one patient developed minor self-limited bleeding. None of the proceduralists developed positive serology or any symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion

A novel protocol that uses periods of apnea during opening of the ventilator circuit along with PAPR-enhanced PPE for PDT on COVID-19 patients appears to be effective and safe for patients and healthcare providers.

Tracheostomy Is Safe During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) often require prolonged mechanical ventilation. Providers may be reluctant to perform tracheostomies on patients during ECMO due to their tenuous clinical status and systemic anticoagulation. We report our experience with performing open and percutaneous tracheostomies on patients supported on ECMO from August 2009 to December 2017. Of the 127 patients who underwent tracheostomy during ECMO support, the median age was 42 years (interquartile range [IQR], 29-54), 99 (78%) patients had venovenous (VV) cannulation, 22 (17%) patients had venoarterial (VA) cannulation, and six (5%) patients had hybrid configurations. Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed in 110 (87%) patients. Median-activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at the time of tracheostomy was 47.5 seconds (IQR, 41-57.6 seconds). The median time from ECMO initiation to tracheostomy was 7 days (IQR, 4-11 days). A total of 55 patients (43%) received packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions within 48 hours after tracheostomy with a median transfusion of 2 units (IQR, 1-3). There was no procedural mortality. Overall, 88 (69%) patients survived to decannulation and 74 (58%) survived to hospital discharge. Our experience with the largest published series of tracheostomies during ECMO demonstrates that excellent outcomes can be achieved without significant morbidity.

Prolonged Weaning: S2k Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an essential part of modern intensive care medicine. MV is performed in patients with severe respiratory failure caused by respiratory muscle insufficiency and/or lung parenchymal disease; that is, when other treatments such as medication, oxygen administration, secretion management, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or nasal high-flow therapy have failed. MV is required for maintaining gas exchange and allows more time to curatively treat the underlying cause of respiratory failure. In the majority of ventilated patients, liberation or "weaning" from MV is routine, without the occurrence of any major problems. However, approximately 20% of patients require ongoing MV, despite amelioration of the conditions that precipitated the need for it in the first place. Approximately 40-50% of the time spent on MV is required to liberate the patient from the ventilator, a process called "weaning". In addition to acute respiratory failure, numerous factors can influence the duration and success rate of the weaning process; these include age, comorbidities, and conditions and complications acquired during the ICU stay. According to international consensus, "prolonged weaning" is defined as the weaning process in patients who have failed at least 3 weaning attempts, or require more than 7 days of weaning after the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Given that prolonged weaning is a complex process, an interdisciplinary approach is essential for it to be successful. In specialised weaning centres, approximately 50% of patients with initial weaning failure can be liberated from MV after prolonged weaning. However, the heterogeneity of patients undergoing prolonged weaning precludes the direct comparison of individual centres. Patients with persistent weaning failure either die during the weaning process, or are discharged back to their home or to a long-term care facility with ongoing MV. Urged by the growing importance of prolonged weaning, this Sk2 Guideline was first published in 2014 as an initiative of the German Respiratory Society (DGP), in conjunction with other scientific societies involved in prolonged weaning. The emergence of new research, clinical study findings and registry data, as well as the accumulation of experience in daily practice, have made the revision of this guideline necessary. The following topics are dealt with in the present guideline: Definitions, epidemiology, weaning categories, underlying pathophysiology, prevention of prolonged weaning, treatment strategies in prolonged weaning, the weaning unit, discharge from hospital on MV, and recommendations for end-of-life decisions. Special emphasis was placed on the following themes: (1) A new classification of patient sub-groups in prolonged weaning. (2) Important aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation in prolonged weaning. (3) Infrastructure and process organisation in the care of patients in prolonged weaning based on a continuous treatment concept. (4) Changes in therapeutic goals and communication with relatives. Aspects of paediatric weaning are addressed separately within individual chapters. The main aim of the revised guideline was to summarize both current evidence and expert-based knowledge on the topic of "prolonged weaning", and to use this information as a foundation for formulating recommendations related to "prolonged weaning", not only in acute medicine but also in the field of chronic intensive care medicine. The following professionals served as important addressees for this guideline: intensivists, pulmonary medicine specialists, anaesthesiologists, internists, cardiologists, surgeons, neurologists, paediatricians, geriatricians, palliative care clinicians, rehabilitation physicians, intensive/chronic care nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, medical service of health insurance, and associated ventilator manufacturers.

Early Tracheostomy Is Associated With Shorter Ventilation Time and Duration of ICU Stay in Patients With Myasthenic Crisis-A Multicenter Analysis

BACKGROUND

Myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) is a rare and serious complication of myasthenia gravis. Here we analyzed the frequency of performed tracheostomies, risk factors correlating with a tracheostomy, as well as the impact of an early tracheostomy on ventilation time and ICU length of stay (LOS) in MC.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review on patients treated for MC in 12 German neurological departments between 2006 and 2015 to assess demographic/diagnostic data, rates and timing of tracheostomy and outcome.

RESULTS

In 107 out of 215 MC (49.8%), a tracheostomy was performed. Patients without tracheostomy were more likely to have an early-onset myasthenia gravis (27 [25.2%] vs 12 [11.5%], p = 0.01). Patients receiving a tracheostomy, however, were more frequently suffering from multiple comorbidities (20 [18.7%] vs 9 [8.3%], p = 0.03) and also the ventilation time (34.4 days ± 27.7 versus 7.9 ± 7.8, p < 0.0001) and ICU-LOS (34.8 days ± 25.5 versus 12.1 ± 8.0, p < 0.0001) was significantly longer than in non-tracheostomized patients. Demographics and characteristics of the course of the disease up to the crisis were not significantly different between patients with an early (within 10 days) compared to a late tracheostomy. However, an early tracheostomy correlated with a shorter duration of MV at ICU (26.2 days ± 18.1 versus 42.0 ± 33.1, p = 0.006), and ICU-LOS (26.2 days ± 14.6 versus 42.3 ± 33.0, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Half of the ventilated patients with MC required a tracheostomy. Poorer health condition before the crisis and late-onset MG were associated with a tracheostomy. An early tracheostomy (≤ day 10), however, was associated with a shorter duration of MV and ICU-LOS by 2 weeks.

Safety of the endotracheal tube for prolonged mechanical ventilation

RATIONALE

The endotracheal tube (ETT) is the most common route for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) yet controversy attends its long-term safety.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the safety of ETT compared with tracheostomy tube (TT) for MV support in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of five year national dataset of 128,977 adults (age > 15-years) admitted for MV therapy with tracheostomy tube (TT; n = 4772) or without (ETT; n = 124,204), excluding those with neurological diagnoses or likely to require a surgical airway (n = 27,466), in 93 public health service ICUs across Australia, between July 2013-June 2018.

MEASUREMENTS

Hospital survival (including liberation from MV) for ETT Group compared with TT Group using a probit regression model adjusted for confounding using fixed, endogenous and non-random treatment assignment covariates, and their interactions; analysed and plotted as marginal effects by duration of MV.

RESULTS

Median duration of MV was 2 (IQR =1-4) days, predominantly via ETT (124,205; 96.3%), and 21,620 (16.7%) died. Temporal trend for ETT increased (OR = 1.06 per year, 95%CI =1.03-1.10) compared to TT, even for prolonged (>3 weeks) MV (38.1%). Higher risk-adjusted mortality was associated with longer duration of MV and after 9 days of MV with retention of ETT compared with TT - average (mortality) treatment effect 12.6% (95%CI =10.7-14.5). The latter was not significant after 30 days of MV.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of ETT compared with TT beyond short-term MV (≤9-days) is uncertain and requires prospective evaluation with additional data.

Impact of Early Tracheostomy on Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery: A National Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence supporting its early use in respiratory failure, tracheostomy is often delayed in cardiac surgical patients given concerns for sternal infection. This study assessed national trends in tracheostomy creation among cardiac patients and evaluated the impact of timing to tracheostomy on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We used the 2005 to 2015 National Inpatient Sample to identify adults undergoing coronary revascularization or valve operations and categorized them based on timing of tracheostomy: early tracheostomy (ET) (postoperative days 1-14) and delayed tracheostomy (DT) (postoperative days 15-30). Temporal trends in the timing of tracheostomy were analyzed, and multivariable models were created to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

An estimated 33,765 patients (1.4%) required a tracheostomy after cardiac operations. Time to tracheostomy decreased from 14.8 days in 2005 to 13.9 days in 2015, sternal infections decreased from 10.2% to 2.9%, and in-hospital death also decreased from 23.3% to 15.9% over the study period (all P for trend <.005). On univariate analysis, the ET cohort had a lower rate of sternal infection (5.2% vs 7.8%, P < .001), in-hospital death (16.7% vs 22.9%, P < .001), and length of stay (33.7 vs 43.6 days, P < .001). On multivariable regression, DT remained an independent predictor of sternal infection (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; P < .05), in-hospital death (odds ratio, 1.36; P < .001), and length of stay (9.1 days, P < .001), with no difference in time from tracheostomy to discharge between the 2 cohorts (P = .40).

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiac surgical patients, ET yielded similar postoperative outcomes, including sternal infection and in-hospital death. Our findings should reassure surgeons considering ET in poststernotomy patients with respiratory failure.

Effect of Patient Demographics and Tracheostomy Timing and Technique on Patient Survival

OBJECTIVES

The ideal timing and technique of tracheostomy vary among patients and may impact outcomes. We aim to examine the association between tracheostomy timing, placement technique, and patient demographics on survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent tracheostomy in 2016 and 2017 at one urban academic tertiary-care hospital. Kaplan-Meier curves were created based on combinations of tracheostomy timing and technique (early percutaneous, early non-percutaneous, late percutaneous, and late non-percutaneous). Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine multivariable effects of timing, technique, and other demographic factors. Primary outcome measures were tracheostomy-related mortality and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

Our study included 523 patients. There were six tracheostomy-related deaths, with hemorrhage and tracheoesophageal fistula being the most common causes. Tracheostomy timing and technique combinations were not associated with differences in all-cause mortality or survival following discharge. Cox proportional hazard models showed that Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and unknown partner status were associated with a decrease in survival (P < .01 and P = .05, respectively). Additionally, patient age, gender, race, CCI, and body mass index were not independently associated with changes in survival.

CONCLUSION

Late and non-percutaneous tracheostomies were associated with more tracheostomy-related deaths, but timing and technique were not associated with differences in patient survival. Multiple regression analysis showed that increased patient comorbidities, measured via CCI, and unknown partner status were independently associated with decreased survival. Proceduralists should discuss timing, technique, and patient social factors together with the medical care team when constructing plans for postdischarge management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1468-1473, 2021.

Guidelines for Tracheostomy From the Korean Bronchoesophagological Society

The Korean Bronchoesophagological Society appointed a task force to develop a clinical practice guideline for tracheostomy. The task force conducted a systematic search of the Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed databases to identify relevant articles, using search terms selected according to key questions. Evidence-based recommendations for practice were ranked according to the American College of Physicians grading system. An external expert review and a Delphi questionnaire were conducted to reach a consensus regarding the recommendations. Accordingly, the committee developed 18 evidence-based recommendations, which are grouped into seven categories. These recommendations are intended to assist clinicians in performing tracheostomy and in the management of tracheostomized patients.

Complications of surgical and percutaneous tracheostomies, and factors leading to decannulation success in a unique Middle Eastern population

Introduction

Surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy remains a commonly performed procedure in the intensive care unit (ICU). Given the unique patient population in the Middle East we decided to perform a review of the procedures performed in our hospital over a two-year period.

Methods

Single centre, retrospective observational study. All tracheostomies performed between January 2016 and January 2018 were included in the study. The primary outcome was the rate of tracheostomy complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors associated with complications and decannulations.

Results

One hundred sixty-four patients were included in the study. Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed in 99 patients (60.4%). Complications occurred in thirty-eight patients (23%). Higher Left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: [0.898–0.985]) and percutaneous tracheostomy (OR = 0.107, 95%CI: [0.029–0.401]) were associated with lower complications. Good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (OR = 4.1, 95%CI: [1.3–13.3]) and downsized tracheostomy tube (OR = 6.5, 95%CI: [2.0–21.0]) were associated with successful decannulations. Successful decannulation was associated with lower hospital mortality when compated to those who could not be decannulated (3.2% vs 33.3% p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In our older population with high comorbidities, percutaneous tracheostomies were associated with less complications than surgical tracheostomies. Patients with poor premorbid functional status and those who could not have their tracheostomy tube sucessfuly downsized were less likely to be decannulated, and had a higher mortality. This data enables physicians to inform the families of the added risks involved with tracheostomy in this patient group.

Using trauma registry data to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with traumatic brain injury: Machine learning approach

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to build a machine learning predictive model to predict the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) for patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

METHODS

This study included TBI patients who were hospitalized in a level 1 trauma center between January 2014 and February 2019. Data were analyzed for all adult patients who received mechanical ventilation following TBI with abbreviated injury severity (AIS) score for the head region of ≥ 3. This study designed three sets of machine learning models: set A defined PMV to be greater than 7 days, set B (PMV > 10 days) and set C (PMV >14 days) to determine the optimal model for deployment. Patients' demographics, injury characteristics and CT findings were used as predictors. Logistic regression (LR), Artificial neural networks (ANN) Support vector machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and C.5 Decision Tree (C.5 DT) were used to predict the PMV.

RESULTS

The number of eligible patients that were included in the study were 674, 643 and 622 patients in sets A, B and C respectively. In set A, LR achieved the optimal performance with accuracy 0.75 and Area under the curve (AUC) 0.83. SVM achieved the optimal performance among other models in sets B with accuracy/AUC of 0.79/0.84 respectively. ANNs achieved the optimal performance in set C with accuracy/AUC of 0.76/0.72 respectively. Machine learning models in set B demonstrated more stable performance with higher prediction success and discrimination power.

CONCLUSION

This study not only provides evidence that machine learning methods outperform the traditional multivariate analytical methods, but also provides a perspective to reach a consensual definition of PMV.

Use of Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: American College of Chest Physicians/American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology/Association of Interventional Pulmonology Program Directors Expert Panel Report

Background

The role of tracheostomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains unknown. The goal of this consensus statement is to examine the current evidence for performing tracheostomy in patients with respiratory failure from COVID-19 and offer guidance to physicians on the preparation, timing, and technique while minimizing the risk of infection to health care workers (HCWs).

Methods

A panel including intensivists and interventional pulmonologists from three professional societies representing 13 institutions with experience in managing patients with COVID-19 across a spectrum of health-care environments developed key clinical questions addressing specific topics on tracheostomy in COVID-19. A systematic review of the literature and an established modified Delphi consensus methodology were applied to provide a reliable evidence-based consensus statement and expert panel report.

Results

Eight key questions, corresponding to 14 decision points, were rated by the panel. The results were aggregated, resulting in eight main recommendations and five additional remarks intended to guide health-care providers in the decision-making process pertinent to tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19-related respiratory failure.

Conclusion

This panel suggests performing tracheostomy in patients expected to require prolonged mechanical ventilation. A specific timing of tracheostomy cannot be recommended. There is no evidence for routine repeat reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing in patients with confirmed COVID-19 evaluated for tracheostomy. To reduce the risk of infection in HCWs, we recommend performing the procedure using techniques that minimize aerosolization while wearing enhanced personal protective equipment. The recommendations presented in this statement may change as more experience is gained during this pandemic.

The Impact of Tracheostomy Timing on the Duration and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

Background:

Mechanical ventilation is a life support for ICU patients and is indicated in case of acute or chronic respiratory failure. 75% of patients admitted to ICU require this support and most of them stay on prolonged MV. Tracheostomy plays a fundamental role in airway management, facilitating ventilator weaning and reducing the duration of MV. Early tracheostomy is defined when the procedure is conducted up to 10 days after the beginning of MV and late tracheostomy when the procedure is performed after this period. Controversy still exists over the ideal timing and classification of early and late tracheostomy.

Objective:

Evaluate the impact of timing of tracheostomy on ventilator weaning.

Method:

Single-center retrospective study. Patients were divided into three groups: very early tracheostomy (VETrach), intermediate (ITrach) and late (LTrach): >10 days.

Results:

One hundred two patients were included: VETrach (n=21), ITrach (n=15), and LTrach (n=66). ITrach group had lower APACHE II (p=0.004) and SOFA (p≤0.001). Total ICU length of stay, and incidence of post-tracheostomy ventilator-associated pneumonia were significantly lower in the VETrach and ITrach groups. The GCS and RASS scores improved in all groups, while the maximal inspiratory pressure and rapid shallow breathing index showed a tendency towards improvement on discharge from the ICU.

Conclusion:

Very early tracheostomy did not reduce the duration of MV or length of ICU stay after the procedure when compared to late tracheostomy, but was associated with low rates of ventilatorassociated pneumonia. Neurological patients benefitted more from tracheostomy, particularly very early and intermediate tracheostomy.

Dilatational Percutaneous vs Surgical TracheoStomy in IntEnsive Care UniT: A Practice Pattern Observational Multicenter Study (DISSECT)

Introduction

Tracheostomy is among the common procedures performed in the intensive care unit (ICU), with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) being the preferred technique. We sought to understand the current practice of tracheostomy in Indian ICUs.

Materials and methods

A pan-India multicenter prospective observational study, endorsed and peer-reviewed by the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), on various aspects of tracheostomy performed in critically ill patients was conducted between September 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis. Cross tables were generated and the chi-square test was used for testing of association. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of 67 ICUs that participated, 88.1% were from private sector hospitals. A total of 923 tracheostomies were performed during the study period; out of which, 666 were PDT and 257 were surgical tracheostomy (ST). Coagulopathic patients received more platelet transfusion [p = 0.037 with platelet count (PC) < 50 × 10⁹, p = 0.021 with PC 50–100 × 10⁹] and fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the ST group (p = 0.0001). The performance of PDT vs ST by day 7 of admission was 28.4% vs 21% (p = 0.023). The single dilator technique (60.4%) was the preferred technique for PDT followed by the Grigg's forceps and then the multiple dilator technique. Fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) and ultrasonography (USG) were used in 29.3% and 16.8%, respectively, for guidance during tracheostomy. Most of the PDTs were performed by a trained intensivist (74.2%), whereas ST was mostly done by an ENT surgeon (56.8%). Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy resulted in less hemorrhagic (2.6% vs 7%, p = 0.002) and desaturation complications (2.3% vs 6.6%, p = 0.001) as compared to ST. The duration of procedure was shorter in the PDT group (average shortening by 9.2 minutes) and the ventilator-free days (VFD) were higher in the PDT group. The cost was less in PDT by approximately Rs. 13,104.

Conclusion

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, especially the single dilator technique, is preferred by clinicians in Indian ICUs. The incidence of minor complications like hemorrhagic episodes is lower with PDT. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was found to be cheaper on cost per patient basis as compared to ST (with or without complications).

How to cite this article

Gupta S, Tomar DS, Dixit S, Zirpe K, Choudhry D, Govil D, et al. Dilatational Percutaneous vs Surgical TracheoStomy in IntEnsive Care UniT: A Practice Pattern Observational Multicenter Study (DISSECT). Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(7):514–526.

Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation undergo tracheostomy to facilitate weaning. The practice in India may be different from the rest of the world and therefore, in order to understand this, ISCCM conducted a multicentric observational study "DIlatational percutaneous vs Surgical tracheoStomy in intEnsive Care uniT: A practice pattern observational multicenter study (DISSECT Study)" followed by an ISCCM Expert Panel committee meeting to formulate Practice recommendations pertinent to Indian ICUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All existing International guidelines on the topic, various randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, retrospective studies were taken into account to formulate the guidelines. Wherever Indian data was not available, international data was analysed. A modified Grade system was followed for grading the recommendation.

RESULTS

After analyzing the entire available data, the recommendations were made by the grading system agreed by the Expert Panel. The recommendations took into account the indications and contraindications of tracheostomy; effect of timing of tracheostomy on incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia, ICU length of stay, ventilator free days & Mortality; comparison of surgical and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in terms of incidence of complications and cost to the patient; Comparison of various techniques of PDT; Use of fiberoptic bronchoscope and ultrasound in PDT; experience of the operator and qualification; certain special conditions like coagulopathy and morbid obesity.

CONCLUSION

This document presents the first Indian recommendations on tracheostomy in adult critically ill patients based on the practices of the country. These guidelines are expected to improve the safety and extend the indications of tracheostomy in critically ill patients.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Gupta S, Dixit S, Choudhry D, Govil D, Mishra RC, Samavedam S, Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 1):S31-S42.

Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants increased the bleeding risk of bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to investigate the safety of bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) by pulmonologists in critically ill patients, and the factors associated with complications resulting from PDT.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled critically ill patients who had undergone bedside PDT in the intensive care units (ICUs) and respiratory care center from February 2016 to December 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 312 patients were included for analysis, with a mean age of 69.6 ± 17.7 years. Two hundred and eight of the patients were male (66.7%). The mean acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score was 25.3 ± 6.3, and the mean body mass index was 22.4 ± 4.2. Most of the patients were intubated due to respiratory disorders (51.3%). Fifty-six patients (17.9%) received antiplatelet agents or an anticoagulant regularly prior to PDT. All enrolled patients were undergone bedside PDT successfully. The total complication rate of PDT was 14.4%. Patients who took antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants regularly before PDT had a higher risk of bleeding than patients who went without (26.8% versus 7.0%, adjusted odds ratio 4.93 [95% f 2.16-11.25], p < 0.001). Finally, a longer length of intubation resulted in a higher probability in the length of ICU stay being ≧28 days (adjusted odds ratio 1.11 [95% CI 1.08-1.14], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that it was feasible for pulmonologists to perform bedside PDT in critically ill patients. However, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants use increased the risk of bleeding in PDT patients.

Ventilator-Free Day Outcomes Can Be Misleading

INTRODUCTION

Acute respiratory distress syndrome often requires invasive mechanical ventilation, with both mortality and mechanical ventilation duration as outcomes of interest. The concept of ventilator-free days has been proposed as an outcome combining these two outcomes. Here we analyzed the construction of the ventilator-free day outcome and provided a hypothetical scenario to alert physicians that such an outcome can lead to misleading interpretations.

METHODS

We proposed the isoventilator-free day curve concept and, using an analytical development, illustrated how a median ventilator-free day value can actually result from very different combinations of death rates and mechanical ventilation durations. We also used a hypothetical example to compare the Student t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Gray test (which accounts for death as a competing event with extubation) in comparing exposition to mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

A median ventilator-free day value of 10 days may mean that 10% of the patients died while survivors were ventilated during a median of 14 days or that 40% died while survivors were ventilated during a median of 5 days. Changing the time horizon affected the Student t test but not the Wilcoxon rank-sum result. The Gray test was more relevant than both the Student t test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test in identifying differences in groups showing highly different mechanical ventilation duration, despite equal median ventilator-free days. This approach was also illustrated using real data.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of ventilator-free days as an outcome appears to have many drawbacks. Suitable methods of analyzing time to extubation should be preferred.

Effect of early tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients

Objective

To investigate the effect of the timing of tracheostomy in patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation using two methods: analysis of early versus late tracheostomy and landmark analysis.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients who were emergently intubated and admitted into the intensive care unit or high dependency unit between January 2011 and August 2016, with or without tracheostomy, were included. In the early and late tracheostomy analysis, all patients were divided into early (≤10 days, n = 88) and late (>10 days, n = 132) groups. In the landmark analysis, 198 patients requiring ventilation for more than 10 days were divided into early tracheostomy (≤10 days, n = 57) and nonearly tracheostomy (>10 days, n = 141) groups. We compared 60‐day ventilation withdrawal rate and 60‐day mortality.

Results

Early tracheostomy was a significant factor for early ventilation withdrawal, as shown by log‐rank test results (early and late tracheostomy: P = .001, landmark: P = .021). Multivariable analysis showed that the early group was also associated with a higher chance of ventilation withdrawal in each analysis (early and late tracheostomy: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–2.39, P = .003; landmark: aHR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.06–2.38, P = .027). Early tracheostomy, however, was not associated with improved 60‐day mortality (early and late tracheostomy: aHR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.46–1.69, P = .71; landmark: aHR = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.58–3.66; P = .42).

Conclusion

For patients requiring ventilation, performing tracheostomy within 10 days of admission was independently associated with shortened duration of mechanical ventilation; 60‐day mortality was not associated with the timing of tracheostomy.

Level of Evidence

2b

Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy tubes can be inserted surgically or percutaneously via percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT). Tracheostomy is performed for upper airway obstruction, though more often to allow prolonged mechanical ventilation in place of endotracheal tubes. Preparation, performance, and postoperative management for PDT are best provided by a multidisciplinary team. Although PDT is a safe procedure in the hands of experienced operators, both early and late complications can arise. Caution must also be taken during early tracheostomy tube exchange given that immaturity of the stomal tract can risk loss of the airway.