The Impact of Tracheostomy Timing on Clinical Outcome and Adverse Events in Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Weaning-associated interventions for ventilated intensive care patients: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilation is a core intervention in critical care, but may also lead to negative consequences. Therefore, ventilator weaning is crucial for patient recovery. Numerous weaning interventions have been investigated, but an overview of interventions to evaluate different foci on weaning research is still missing.

AIM

To provide an overview of interventions associated with ventilator weaning.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a scoping review. A systematic search of the Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases was carried out in May 2023. Interventions from studies or reviews that aimed to extubate or decannulate mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units were included. Studies concerning children, outpatients or non-invasive ventilation were excluded. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by three reviewers. Identified interventions were thematically analysed and clustered.

RESULTS

Of the 7175 records identified, 193 studies were included. A total of six clusters were formed: entitled enteral nutrition (three studies), tracheostomy (17 studies), physical treatment (13 studies), ventilation modes and settings (47 studies), intervention bundles (42 studies), and pharmacological interventions including analgesic agents (8 studies), sedative agents (53 studies) and other agents (15 studies).

CONCLUSIONS

Ventilator weaning is widely researched with a special focus on ventilation modes and pharmacological agents. Some aspects remain poorly researched or unaddressed (e.g. nutrition, delirium treatment, sleep promotion).

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review compiles studies on ventilator weaning interventions in thematic clusters, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary care and consideration of various interventions. Future research should combine different interventions and investigate their interconnection.

A Pluridisciplinary Tracheostomy Weaning Protocol for Brain-Injured Patients, Outside of the Intensive Care Unit and Without Instrumental Assessment: Results of Pilot Study

Concurrently to the recent development of percutaneous tracheostomy techniques in the intensive care unit (ICU), the amount of tracheostomized brain-injured patients has increased. Despites its advantages, tracheostomy may represent an obstacle to their orientation towards conventional hospitalization or rehabilitation services. To date, there is no recommendation for tracheostomy weaning outside of the ICU. We created a pluridisciplinary tracheostomy weaning protocol relying on standardized criteria but adapted to each patient's characteristics and that does not require instrumental assessment. It was tested in a prospective, single-centre, non-randomized cohort study. Inclusion criteria were age > 18 years, hospitalized for an acquired brain injury (ABI), tracheostomized during an ICU stay, and weaned from mechanical ventilation. The exclusion criterion was severe malnutrition. Decannulation failure was defined as recannulation within 96 h after decannulation. Thirty tracheostomized ABI patients from our neurosurgery department were successively and exhaustively included after ICU discharge. Twenty-six patients were decannulated (decannulation rate, 90%). None of them were recannulated (success rate, 100%). Two patients never reached the decannulation stage. Two patients died during the procedure. Mean tracheostomy weaning duration (inclusion to decannulation) was 7.6 (standard deviation [SD]: 4.6) days and mean total tracheostomy time (insertion to decannulation) was 42.5 (SD: 24.8) days. Our results demonstrate that our protocol might be able to determine without instrumental assessment which patient can be successfully decannulated. Therefore, it may be used safely outside ICU or a specialized unit. Moreover, our tracheostomy weaning duration is very short as compared to the current literature.

Predictive Factors for Successful Decannulation in Patients with Tracheostomies and Brain Injuries: A Systematic Review

Neurological patients frequently have disorders of consciousness, swallowing disorders, or neurological states that are incompatible with extubation. Therefore, they frequently require tracheostomies during their stay in an intensive care unit. After the acute phase, tracheostomy weaning and decannulation are generally expected to promote rehabilitation. However, few reliable predictive factors (PFs) for decannulation have been identified in this patient population. We sought to identify PFs that may be used during tracheostomy weaning and decannulation in patients with brain injuries. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding potential PFs for decannulation; searches were performed on 16 March 2021 and 1 June 2022. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, OPENGREY, OPENSIGLE, Science Direct, CLINICAL TRIALS and CENTRAL. We searched for all article types, except systematic reviews, meta-analyses, abstracts, and position articles. Retrieved articles were published in English or French, with no date restriction. In total, 1433 articles were identified; 26 of these were eligible for inclusion in the review. PFs for successful decannulation in patients with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) included high neurological status, traumatic brain injuries rather than stroke or anoxic brain lesions, younger age, effective swallowing, an effective cough, and the absence of pulmonary infections. Secondary PFs included early tracheostomy, supratentorial lesions, the absence of critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy, and the absence of tracheal lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to identify PFs for decannulation in patients with ABIs. These PFs may be used by clinicians during tracheostomy weaning.

The impact of delayed tracheostomy on critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a retrospective cohort study in a chinese tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES

The timing of tracheostomy for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) is a topic of controversy. Our objective was to determine the most suitable timing for tracheostomy in patients undergoing MV.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

One thousand eight hundred eighty-four hospitalisations received tracheostomy from January 2011 to December 2020 in a Chinese tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Tracheostomy timing was divided into three groups: early tracheostomy (ET), intermediate tracheostomy (IMT), and late tracheostomy (LT), based on the duration from tracheal intubation to tracheostomy. We established two criteria to classify the timing of tracheostomy for data analysis: Criteria I (ET ≤ 5 days, 5 days < IMT ≤ 10 days, LT > 10 days) and Criteria II (ET ≤ 7 days, 7 days < IMT ≤ 14 days, LT > 14 days). Parameters such as length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and duration of MV were used to evaluate outcomes. Additionally, the outcomes were categorized as good prognosis, poor prognosis, and death based on the manner of hospital discharge. Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were employed as appropriate to assess differences in demographic data and individual characteristics among the ET, IMT, and LT groups. Univariate Cox regression model and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model were utilized to determine whether delaying tracheostomy would increase the risk of death.

RESULTS

In both of two criterion, patients with delayed tracheostomies had longer hospital stays (p < 0.001), ICU stays (p < 0.001), total time receiving MV (p < 0.001), time receiving MV before tracheostomy (p < 0.001), time receiving MV after tracheostomy (p < 0.001), and sedation durations. Similar results were also found in sub-population diagnosed as trauma, neurogenic or digestive disorders. Multinomial Logistic regression identified LT was independently associated with poor prognosis, whereas ET conferred no clinical benefits compared with IMT.

CONCLUSIONS

In a mixed ICU population, delayed tracheostomy prolonged ICU and hospital stays, sedation durations, and time receiving MV. Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified delayed tracheostomies as independently correlated with worse outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2100043905. Registered 05 March 2021. http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx.

Early versus late tracheostomy in stroke-related patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy is an operative intervention for patients who require ventilator assistance while in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to compare efficacy and safety between early tracheostomy (ET) and late tracheostomy (LT) in stroke patients.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for available studies. Stroke-related patients were categorized into ET and LT groups using seven days as the cutoff timepoint. The primary efficacy outcome was mortality; secondary efficacy outcomes were modified Rankin Scores (mRS) obtained at follow up, as well as durations of hospital stay, ICU stay, and ventilator use. Safety outcomes were total complication and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 3,789 patients were included in the current analysis. No statistical difference in mortality was observed. ET was associated with shorter hospital stay (MD -5.72, 95% CI -9.76 to -1.67), shorter ICU stay (MD -4.77, 95% CI -6.82 to -2.72), and shorter ventilator duration (MD -4.65, 95% CI -8.39 to -0.90); however, no statistically significant difference was found in follow-up mRS scores. Examination of safety measures found the ET group exhibited a lower rate of VAP compared with LT (OR 0.80, 95 % CI 0.68 to 0.93), while no statistical difference was found in total complications.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis concluded that ET was associated with shorter hospital stay, less time on a ventilator, and lower incidence of VAP. Future studies are warranted to investigate the functional outcomes and the occurrence of complications of ET in stroke patients.

Impact of early percutaneous dilatative tracheostomy in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage on main cerebral, hemodynamic, and respiratory variables: A prospective observational study

Introduction

Patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often require prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation due to prolonged time to obtain neurological recovery. Impairment of consciousness and airway protective mechanisms usually require tracheostomy during the ICU stay to facilitate weaning from sedation, promote neurological assessment, and reduce mechanical ventilation (MV) duration and associated complications. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the technique of choice for performing a tracheostomy. However, it could be associated with particular risks in neurocritical care patients, potentially increasing the risk of secondary brain damage.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study aimed to assess PDT-associated variations in main cerebral, hemodynamic, and respiratory variables, the occurrence of tracheostomy-related complications, and their relationship with outcomes in adult patients with SAH admitted to the ICU of a neurosurgery/neurocritical care hub center after aneurysm control through clipping or coiling and undergoing early PDT.

Results

We observed a temporary increase in ICP during early PDT; this increase was statistically significant in patients presenting with higher therapy intensity level (TIL) at the time of the procedural. The episodes of intracranial hypertension were brief, and appeared mainly due to the activation of cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms in patients with impaired compensatory mechanisms and compliance.

Discussion

The low number of observed complications might be related to our organizational strategy, all based on a dedicated "tracheo-team" implementing both PDT following a strictly defined protocol and accurate follow-up.

Early prediction of hospital outcomes in patients tracheostomized for complex mechanical ventilation weaning

Background

Tracheostomy is often performed in the intensive care unit (ICU) when mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning is prolonged to facilitate daily care. Tracheostomized patients require important healthcare resources and have poor long-term prognosis after the ICU. However, data lacks regarding prediction of outcomes at hospital discharge. We looked for patients’ characteristics, ventilation parameters, sedation and analgesia use (pre-tracheostomy) that are associated with favorable and poor outcomes (post-tracheostomy) using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Eighty tracheostomized patients were included (28.8% women, 60 [52–71] years). Twenty-three (28.8%) patients were intubated for neurological reasons. Time from intubation to tracheostomy was 14.7 [10–20] days. Thirty patients (37.5%) had poor outcome (19 patients deceased and 11 still tracheostomized at hospital discharge). All patients discharged with tracheostomy (n = 11) were initially intubated for a neurological reason. In univariate logistic regressions, older age and higher body-mass index (BMI) were associated with poor outcome (OR 1.18 [1.07–1.32] and 1.04 [1.01–1.08], p < 0.001 and p = 0.025). No MV parameters were associated with poor outcome. In the multiple logistic regression model higher BMI and older age were also associated with poor outcome (OR 1.21 [1.09–1.36] and 1.04 [1.00–1.09], p < 0.001 and p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Hospital mortality of patients tracheostomized because of complex MV weaning was high. Patients intubated for neurological reasons were frequently discharged from the acute care hospital with tracheostomy in place. Both in univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, only BMI and older age were associated with poor outcome after tracheostomy for patients undergoing prolonged MV weaning.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-022-01047-z.

Predictors of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Among Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage After Microsurgical Clipping

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a fatal event with high mortality and morbidity rates. Survivors may require prolonged intubation with mechanical ventilation (MV). However, the risk factors for prolonged intubation in these patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of prolonged MV in aSAH patients who underwent surgical clipping.

METHODS

In total, 108 adult patients with a primary diagnosis of aSAH who were on MV > 48 h and survived > 14 days after surgery were included. Clinicodemographic and radiological characteristics, laboratory tests on admission, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and its components were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients included in the analysis was 59.1 ± 12.5 years. Overall, 32 patients (29.6%) had prolonged MV. The group with prolonged MV showed a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, lower initial GCS and its components, higher World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WFNS) and Hunt and Hess grades, and higher initial white cell counts. The independent factors associated with prolonged MV were a history of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 5.799, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.109-30.334; P = 0.037) and Hunt and Hess grade 3-5 (OR 7.217, 95% CI 1.090-47.770; P = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

A history of diabetes mellitus and Hunt and Hess grade 3-5 independently predict prolonged MV after microsurgical clipping in patients with aSAH. Thus, knowledge of potential predictors for prolonged MV is essential to improve the early initiation of adequate treatment in the early stages of treatment and provide useful information for communication between caregivers and families.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage: management considerations for COVID-19

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has deleterious outcomes for patients, and during the hospital stay, patients are susceptible to vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to worsen hypertension through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity, therefore, predisposing to aneurysm rupture. The classic renin-angiotensin pathway activation also predisposes to vasospasm and subsequent delayed cerebral ischemia. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 upregulation can lead to an inflammatory surge, which worsens outcomes for patients. SAH patients with COVID-19 are more susceptible to ventilator-associated pneumonia, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and respiratory distress. Emerging treatments are warranted to target key components of the anti-inflammatory cascade. The aim of this review is to explore how the COVID-19 virus and the intensive care unit (ICU) treatment of severe COVID can contribute to SAH.

Early Versus Late Tracheostomy in Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The timing of tracheostomy (TR) in severe stroke patients receiving mechanical ventilation has not been determined. In this study, we compared some prognostic indicators of early tracheostomy (ET) and late tracheostomy (LT). A meta-analysis was performed to obtain a higher level of evidence of the timing of TR in patients with severe stroke receiving mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective single-center study. We divided the severe stroke patients who received TR from June 2020 to June 2022 into the ET group and LT group. The demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and prognostic indices were compared. For this meta-analysis, we systematically searched PubMed and other databases. The compared prognostic indicators included mechanical ventilation time, ICU length of stay (LOS), total LOS, ventilator-related pneumonia (VAP) incidence, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients were included in our study, including 32 patients in the ET group and 29 patients in the LT group. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the NIHSS score in the ET group was higher than that in the LT group (P < 0.05). In terms of outcome indicators, compared with the LT group, the median mechanical ventilation time in the ET group was shortened by 5.5 days (P = 0.034). The ICU LOS and total LOS in the ET group were significantly lower than those in the LT group (median 14.5 days vs 22 days, P = 0.004; 21 days vs 27 days, P = 0.019). The meta-analysis showed that ET could significantly shorten the ICU LOS (MD -3.89 [95% CI: -6.86, -0.92]) and the total LOS (MD -7.70 [95% CI: -8.57, -6.83]) and significantly reduce the occurrence of VAP (OR 0.75 [95% CI: 0.64, 0.87]).

CONCLUSION

The results of our retrospective study and meta-analysis support that ET can shorten the ICU LOS and total LOS and reduce the occurrence of VAP. Therefore, it has a positive effect on the prognosis of patients with severe stroke who need mechanical ventilation support.

Outcomes After Tracheostomy in Patients with Severe Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize reported long-term outcomes in patients undergoing tracheostomy after severe acute brain injury (SABI).

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies in English, German, and Spanish between 1990 and 2019, reporting outcomes in patients with SABI who underwent tracheostomy. We adhered to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines and the meta-analyses of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines. We excluded studies reporting on less than 10 patients, mixed populations with other neurological diseases, or studies assessing highly select subgroups defined by age or procedures. Data were extracted independently by two investigators. Results were pooled using random effects modeling. The primary outcome was long-term functional outcome (mRS or GOS) at 6-12 months. Secondary outcomes included hospital and long-term mortality, decannulation rates, and discharge home rates.

RESULTS

Of 1405 studies identified, 61 underwent full manuscript review and 19 studies comprising 35,362 patients from 10 countries were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was available from five studies with 451 patients. At 6-12 months, about one-third of patients (30%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 17-48) achieved independence, and about one-third survived in a dependent state (36%, 95% CI 28-46%). The pooled short-term mortality for 19,048 patients was 12%, (95% CI 9-17%) with no significant difference between stroke (10%) and TBI patients (13%), and the pooled long-term mortality was 21% (95% CI 11-36). Decannulation occurred in 79% (95% CI 51-93%) of survivors. Heterogeneity was high for most outcome assessments (I² > 75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that about one in three patients with SABI who undergo tracheostomy may eventually achieve independence. Future research is needed to understand the reasons for the heterogeneity between studies and to identify those patients with promising outcomes as well as factors influencing outcome.

Mechanical ventilation in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: systematic review and recommendations

Objective

Mechanical ventilation (MV) has a complex interplay with the pathophysiology of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aim to provide a review of the physiology of MV in patients with aSAH, give recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature, and highlight areas that still need investigation.

Data sources

PubMed was queried for publications with the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms “mechanical ventilation” and “aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage” published between January 1, 1990, and March 1, 2020. Bibliographies of returned articles were reviewed for additional publications of interest.

Study selection

Study inclusion criteria included English language manuscripts with the study population being aSAH patients and the exposure being MV. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational trials, retrospective trials, case-control studies, case reports, or physiologic studies. Topics and articles excluded included review articles, pediatric populations, non-aneurysmal etiologies of subarachnoid hemorrhage, mycotic and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, and articles regarding tracheostomies.

Data extraction

Articles were reviewed by one team member, and interpretation was verified by a second team member.

Data synthesis

Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Conclusions

We make recommendations on oxygenation, hypercapnia, PEEP, APRV, ARDS, and intracranial pressure monitoring.

Early versus Delayed Surgery for Spinal Epidural Abscess : Clinical Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life

Objective

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a severe and life-threatening disease. Although commonly performed, the effect of timing in surgical treatment on patient outcome is still unclear. With this study, we aim to provide evidence for early surgical treatment in patients with SEA.

Methods

Patients treated for SEA in the authors’ department between 2007 and 2016 were included for analysis and retrospectively analyzed for basic clinical parameters and outcome. Pre- and postoperative neurological status were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). The self-reported quality of life (QOL) based on the Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was assessed prospectively. Surgery was defined as “early”, when performed within 12 hours after admission and “late” when performed thereafter. Conservative therapy was preferred and recommend in patients without neurological deficits and in patients denying surgical intervention.

Results

One hundred and twenty-three patients were included in this study. Forty-nine patients (39.8%) underwent early, 47 patients (38.2%) delayed surgery and 27 (21.9%) conservative therapy. No significant differences were observed regarding mean age, sex, diabetes, prior history of spinal infection, and bony destruction. Patients undergoing early surgery revealed a significant better clinical outcome before discharge than patients undergoing late surgery (p=0.001) and conservative therapy. QOL based on SF-36 were significantly better in the early surgery cohort in two of four physical items (physical functioning and bodily pain) and in one of four psychological items (role limitation) after a mean follow-up period of 58 months. Readmission to the hospital and failure of conservative therapy were observed more often in patients undergoing conservative therapy.

Conclusion

Our data on both clinical outcome and QOL provide evidence for early surgery within 12 hours after admission in patients with SEA.

The impact of tracheostomy timing on clinical outcomes and adverse events in intubated patients with infratentorial lesions: early versus late tracheostomy

We evaluated the association between the timing of tracheostomy and clinical outcomes in patients with infratentorial lesions. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2014 to December 2018. Consecutive adult patients admitted to the ICU who underwent resection of infratentorial lesions as well as tracheostomy were included for analysis. Early tracheostomy was defined as performed on postoperative days 1-10 and late tracheostomy on days 10-20 after operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the characteristics and outcomes between both cohorts. A total of 143 patients were identified, and 96 patients received early tracheostomy. Multivariable analysis identified early tracheostomy as an independent variable associated with lower occurrence of pneumonia (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.73; p = 0.011), shorter stays in ICUs (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6; p = 0.03), and earlier decannulation (hazard ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.8; p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were observed between the early and late tracheostomy groups regarding hospital mortality (p > 0.999) and the modified Rankin scale after 6 months (p = 0.543). We also identified postoperative brainstem deficits, including cough, swallowing attempts, and extended tongue as well as GCS < 8 at ICU admission as the risk factors independently associated with patients underwent tracheostomy. There is a significant association between early tracheostomy and beneficial clinical outcomes or reduced adverse event occurrence in patients with infratentorial lesions.

Factors influencing intracranial pressure (ICP) during percutaneous tracheostomy

OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) is common on ICUs. An increase of intracranial pressure (ICP) can be observed in patients with acute cerebral diseases. Factors determining ICP increase remain unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data for all PTs were collected prospectively. ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously every minute. Primary outcome parameter was an increase of ICP during PT (ICP > 20 mmHg). Influencing factors were evaluated by the means of logistic regression analysis: Body mass index (BMI), age, gender, physician performing the procedure (neurologist vs. neurosurgeon), duration of the procedure, underlying disease, duration of mechanical ventilation, and baseline ICP value before the procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 175 PTs were performed during the observation period between 2010 and 2013. Of these, 54 received ICP monitoring and were included into this study. Median initial ICP value was 10.4 mmHg and rose significantly to a median value of 18.4 mmHg (p < 0.05). In 21 patients (38,9%) an increase of median ICP above 20 mmHg was seen during at least one interval. Comparing patients with and without pathological ICP increase a significant difference between the two groups was only observed for patients with an increased baseline ICP above 15 mmHg. All other factors had no significant influence on the development of a pathological ICP peaks during PT.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous tracheostomies in patients with cerebral injury leads to a significant increase of ICP during the procedure. Patients with a baseline ICP > 15 mmHg are at risk to develop harmful ICP crises.

Earlier tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with hemorrhagic stroke: associated factors and effects on hospitalization

OBJECTIVE

Existing literature supports benefits of early tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in certain patient populations. The aim of this study was to review tracheostomy and PEG placement data in patients with hemorrhagic stroke in order to identify factors associated with earlier placement and to evaluate outcomes.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated for hemorrhagic stroke between June 1, 2011, and June 1, 2015. Data were analyzed by logistic and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Of 240 patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke, 31.25% underwent tracheostomy and 35.83% underwent PEG tube placement. Factors significantly associated with tracheostomy and PEG included the presence of pneumonia on admission and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Earlier tracheostomy was significantly associated with shorter ICU length of stay; earlier tracheostomy and PEG placement were associated with shorter overall hospitalization. Timing of tracheostomy and PEG was not significantly associated with patient survival or the incidence of complications in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified patient risk factors associated with increased likelihood of tracheostomy and PEG in patients with hemorrhagic stroke who were critically ill. Additionally, we found that the timing of tracheostomy was associated with length of ICU stay and overall hospital stay, and that the timing of PEG was associated with overall length of hospitalization. Complication rates related to tracheostomy and PEG in this population were minimal. This retrospective data set supports some benefit to earlier tracheostomy and PEG placement in this population and justifies the need for further prospective study.

Timing and Outcomes of Tracheostomy in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we sought to evaluate the timing and outcomes in patients with hemorrhagic stroke who received tracheostomy.

METHODS

A retrospective database search was undertaken to identify patients with hemorrhagic stroke between January 2010 and December 2018. Clinical data on basic demographics, clinical features, and outcomes were extracted. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were hospital stays and hospital costs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the characteristics and outcomes between patients with hemorrhagic stroke who underwent tracheostomy early (days 1-6) and late (days 7 or later).

RESULTS

A total of 425 patients were identified, 74.4% (n = 316) received an early tracheostomy during the hospitalization. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke who received early tracheostomy had a higher rate of neurosurgical operation (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.99; P = 0.001) and different types of hemorrhagic stroke (P = 0.001) in comparison with the late tracheostomy patients. In addition, early tracheostomy was associated with shorter hospital stays (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.03; P = 0.003) and reduced hospital costs (P < 0.001) than with late tracheostomy. However, no significant difference was observed with regard to in-hospital mortality between early and late tracheostomy groups (P = 0.744).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, early tracheostomy in patients with hemorrhagic stroke may help reduce hospital stays and hospital costs, but not in-hospital mortality. Future prospective multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Management of tracheostomized patients after poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage: Disease related and pulmonary risk factors for failed and delayed decannulation

OBJECTIVE

Tracheostomy is often indicated in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH). Decannulation is a major goal of neurorehabilitation, but cannot be achieved in all patients. The aim of this study was to describe the course of decannulation and to identify associated risk factors in a single-center collective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 87 sSAH patients with WFNS (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies) grade III-IV, who received tracheostomy. Decannulation events and the time from tracheostomy to decannulation were recorded in a 200-days follow-up. Variables analyzed were: age, sex, WFNS grade, Fisher grade, the presence of intracerebral or intraventricular hematoma, acute hydrocephalus, aneurysm location, aneurysm obliteration (surgical vs. endovascular), treatment related complications, decompressive craniectomy, symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, vasospasm-related infarction and timing of tracheostomy. Further risk factors analyzed were preexisting chronic lung disease and pneumonia. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

RESULTS

The rate of successful decannulation was 84% after a median of 47 days. A higher WFNS grade and pneumonia were associated with both a prolonged time to decannulation (TTD) and decannulation failure (DF). Older age (> 60 years) and necessity for decompressive craniectomy were only associated with prolonged TTD. Outcome analysis revealed that patients with DF show a significantly (p < 0.01) higher rate of unfavorable outcome (mRS 3-6).

CONCLUSION

Successful decannulation is possible in the majority of sSAH patients and particularly, in all patients with WFNS grade III. WFNS grading, age, the necessity for decompressive craniectomy and pneumonia are significantly associated with the TTD. WFNS grade and pneumonia are significantly associated with DF. The mean cannulation time of sSAH patients is shorter in relation to stroke patients.

Tracheostomy and mortality in patients with severe burns: A nationwide observational study

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy is often performed in patients with severe burns who are undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, the appropriate timing of tracheostomy and its effect on mortality remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether tracheostomy can reduce mortality in patients with severe burns.

METHODS

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from April 2010 to March 2014, we extracted data on adult patients with severe burns (burn index score of ≥15) who started mechanical ventilation within 3days of admission. We estimated the hazard ratio for 28-day in-hospital mortality associated with tracheotomy performed from day 5 to 28. We adjusted for baseline and time-dependent confounders using inverse probability of treatment weighting methods and fitted a marginal structural Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

We identified 680 eligible patients (94 in the tracheostomy group, 2289 person-days; 586 in the non-tracheostomy group, 11,197 person-days). Patients who underwent a tracheostomy had worse prognostic factors for mortality. After adjustment for these factors, the hazard ratio for 28-day mortality associated with tracheostomy compared with non-tracheostomy was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant association between 28-day in-hospital mortality and early tracheostomy in adult patients with severe burns.

The Impact of Extubation Failure in Patients with Good-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical impact of extubation failure (EF) in patients with good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in whom a good clinical course usually is expected.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data from 141 patients with SAH and 1) initial Hunt & Hess grade 1-3; 2) induction of general anesthesia for intervention; and 3) the presence of data about the functional outcome. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) primary tracheotomized patients (PT); 2) patients with successful extubation (ES); and 3) patients with EF (reintubation within 48 hours).

RESULTS

EF occurred with a rate of 0.12. The leading cause of EF was respiratory insufficiency (n = 7), followed by impaired consciousness (n = 5). Multivariate logistic regression did not show any neurologic predictor of EF. Patients with ES showed an excellent outcome after 6 months (favorable outcome: 95.7%), whereas the outcome of patients with EF and PT was significantly (P < 0.05) poorer. The case fatality rate was nonsignificantly greater in the EF group (0.15 vs. 0.03). Hospitalization was significantly reduced for patients with ES, whereas the occurrence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasms and vasospastic cerebral infarction was similar between patients with EF, ES, or PT.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that EF is a frequent condition in good grade-SAH but is not predictable using common neurologic parameters. Regarding the functional outcome, we were able to show that the result of an extubation trial clearly delineates the patients in 2 distinct groups, in which ES predicts an excellent outcome.

Timing of tracheostomy in patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation: a systematic review

The objective of this article is to evaluate the appropriate timing of tracheostomy in patients with prolonged intubationregarding the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia, mortality, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and duration of artificial ventilation. The study included published articles yielded by a search concerning timing of tracheostomy in adult and pediatric patients with prolonged intubation. The search was limited to articles published in English language in the last 30 years (between 1987 and 2017). For the 690 relevant articles, we applied our inclusion and exclusion criteria and only 43 articles were included. 41 studies in the adult age group including 222,501 patients and 2 studies in pediatric age group including 140 patients met our criteria. Studies in adult age group were divided into three groups according to the methodology of determining the cut off timing for early tracheostomy, they were divided into studies that considered early tracheostomy within the first 7, 14 or 21 days of endotracheal intubation, while in pediatric age group the cut off timing for early tracheostomy was within the first 7 days of endotracheal intubation. There was a significant difference in favor of early tracheostomy in adults' three groups and pediatric age group as early tracheostomy was superior regarding reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, with less mortality rates and less duration of stay in ICU. Regarding hospital-acquired pneumonia, it was significantly less in adult groups but with no significant difference in pediatric age group (3 patients out of 72 pediatric patient with early tracheostomy had pneumonia compared to 11 patients out of 68 with late tracheostomy). Studies defining early tracheostomy as that done within 7 days of intubation had better results than those defining early tracheostomy as that done within 14 or 21 days of intubation. In conclusion, early tracheostomy within 7 days of intubation should be done for both adults and pediatric patients with prolonged intubation.

Safety of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Patients with Acute Brain Injury and Reduced PaO2/FiO2 Ratio-Retrospective Analysis of 54 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a commonly performed method in neurocritical care, and its safety has been proven in numerous studies. Nevertheless, data regarding the application in patients with acute brain injury and poor respiratory function are poor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of hypoxemia and hypercapnia during PDT in those patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, we acquired data from 54 patients with an acute brain injury (ABI) and a reduced PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (PaO₂/FiO₂ < 300 mm Hg). In all cases, blood gas analyses before, during, and approximately 12 hours after PDT were available. We reviewed the patients' ventilator settings, results of gas exchange, and radiographic signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with ARDS were defined using the Berlin criteria.

RESULTS

We observed 2 cases (3.6%) of intraoperative hypoxemia (PaO₂ < 60 mm Hg) and 4 cases (7.4%) of intraoperative hypercapnia (PaCO₂ > 55 mm Hg). Twenty patients fulfilled the Berlin criteria for ARDS. While mean PaO₂ did not differ significantly between ARDS and non-ARDS patients, intraoperative hypoxemia only occurred in the ARDS group (2/20). Mean PaCO₂ was similar in the ARDS and non-ARDS groups, and cases of hypercapnia were apparent in both groups. The mean PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio of all patients improved from 229.1 mm Hg before PDT to 255.3 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the intraoperative gas exchange, indication of PDT in patients with ABI and ARDS should be considered carefully. However, PDT in ABI patients with reduced PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio alone appears to be a safe procedure.

Abnormal Breathing Patterns Predict Extubation Failure in Neurocritically Ill Patients

In neurologically injured patients, predictors for extubation success are not well defined. Abnormal breathing patterns may result from the underlying neurological injury. We present three patients with abnormal breathing patterns highlighting failure of successful extubation as a result of these neurologically driven breathing patterns. Recognizing abnormal breathing patterns may be predictive of extubation failure and thus need to be considered as part of extubation readiness.

The Impact of Early Tracheostomy in Neurotrauma Patients: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Although majority of neurotrauma patients require long term ventilatory support but the timing of tracheostomy in such patients is controversial.

METHOD

This retrospective study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Pune, India. Patients >18 years of age, who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) from June 2010 to November 2014 at neurotrauma unit (NTU) of hospital, were included. Patients were divided in two groups according to the timing of tracheostomy, early tracheostomy (ET) group (≤5 days; N=100) and late tracheostomy (LT) group (>5 days; N=64). The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, and Chi-square tests were used to compare these groups.

RESULT

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, APACHE II and GCS Score. Patients in the ET group had a significantly shorter stay in the NTU compared to patients in the LT group (mean, 18 vs. 21.2 days, p=0.005), fewer mechanical ventilation days (mean, 8.1 vs. 11.7 days, P=0.000) and shorter length of stay in hospital (mean, 28.8 vs. 34.37 days, P=0.019). There was no difference between ET and LT groups in post PCT ventilator free days (mean, 8.2 vs. 9.4 days; P=0.094). Mortality rates in ET vs. LT groups were also comparable (35% vs. 29.7%; P=0.480).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that ET in neurotrauma patients might be associated with shorter length of stay in NTU and hospital, and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation however there was no mortality difference.

How should this patient with repeated aspiration pneumonia be managed and treated?-a proposal of the Percutaneous ENdoscopIc Gastrostomy and Tracheostomy (PENlIGhT) procedure

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is commonly seen among the elderly with a substantial proportion of patients suffering from long-term dysphagia and/or an inability to protect their airway. This potentially imposes on them an increased risk of malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. In this article, we present a patient with malnutrition and dysphagia secondary to CVA. We propose a procedure for which we will name the Percutaneous ENdoscopIc Gastrostomy and Tracheostomy (PENlIGhT) procedure for placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and tracheostomy tube (TT) at the same time. The medical literature was systematically reviewed for both PEG and tracheostomy, aiming to provide the state-of-the-art evidence for clinical use of the PENlIGhT procedure. In clinical practice, the PENlIGhT procedure is indicated for patients who are expected to have prolonged swallowing disturbance and mechanical ventilation. Some prediction tools and scores can be helpful to identify such groups of patients. Patients with poor neurological outcomes who require prolonged maintenance of life are also good candidates for the PENlIGhT procedure.

Outcome of Patients with Long-Lasting Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Is Prolonged Treatment for Cerebral Vasospasm Worthwhile? A Matched-Pair Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) occurs regularly between days 3 and 12 after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Yet, some patients suffering from SAH have long-lasting cerebral vasospasm (LL-CVS, i.e., longer than 14 days). The outcome of these patients with a very long treatment is unknown.

METHODS

Patients with SAH were entered into a prospectively collected database. In unconscious patients, CVS was treated until a reversal of CVS was confirmed by imaging. Outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable [mRS 0-2] and unfavorable [mRS 3-6]) 6 months after SAH. Data were compared by matched pair analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1126 patients, 106 had LL-CVS (9.4%). The mean of treatment was until day 20 (range, 15-42). Of these patients, more than 30% needed treatment longer than 21 days after SAH; 29% had a small intracerebral hematoma (ICH; <50 mL). Hydrocephalus that required external ventricular drainage was present in 81%. Outcomes were favorable in 60%, and 8% died. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for an unfavorable outcome were elderly patients, poor admission status, and the presence of small ICH. Compared with the matched control group, who had "regular-lasting" CVS, patients with LL-CVS had a significant better outcome (60% vs. 49%) and a significant lower mortality rate (8% vs. 27%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with LL-CVS had a significant better outcome than patients with "regular-lasting" CVS. Risk factors for worse outcome of patients with LL-CVS were a worse admission status, elderly age, and the presence of small ICH. We recommend using an objective method to validate the reversal of CVS in unconscious patients.