Investigation of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other human prion diseases with tonsil biopsy samples

BACKGROUND

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of an abnormal isoform of cellular prion protein (PrPSc), which is the principal constituent of prions. Prions replicate in lymphoreticular tissues before neuroinvasion, suggesting that lymphoreticular biopsy samples may allow early diagnosis by detection of PrPSc. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (variant CJD) is difficult to distinguish from common psychiatric disorders in its early stages and definitive diagnosis has relied on neuropathology. We studied lymphoreticular tissues from a necropsy series and assessed tonsillar biopsy samples as a diagnostic investigation for human prion disease.

METHODS

Lymphoreticular tissues (68 tonsils, 64 spleens, and 40 lymph nodes) were obtained at necropsy from patients affected by prion disease and from neurological and normal controls. Tonsil biopsy sampling was done on 20 patients with suspected prion disease. Tissues were analysed by western blot to detect and type PrPSc, by PrP immunohistochemistry, or both.

FINDINGS

All lymphoreticular tissues obtained at necropsy from patients with neuropathologically confirmed variant CJD, but not from patients with other prion diseases or controls, were positive for PrPSc. In addition, PrPSc typing revealed a consistent pattern (designated type 4t) different from that seen in variant CJD brain (type 4) or in brain from other CJD subtypes (types 1-3). Tonsil biopsy tissue was positive in all eight patients with an adequate biopsy sample and whose subsequent course has confirmed, or is highly consistent with, a diagnosis of variant CJD and negative in all patients subsequently confirmed to have other diagnoses.

INTERPRETATION

We found that if, in the appropriate clinical context, a tonsil biopsy sample was positive for PrPSc, variant CJD could be diagnosed, which obviates the need for a brain biopsy sample to be taken. Our results also show that variant CJD has a different pathogenesis to sporadic CJD.

Nasal architecture: form and flow

Current approaches to model nasal airflow are reviewed in this study, and new findings presented. These new results make use of improvements to computational and experimental techniques and resources, which now allow key dynamical features to be investigated, and offer rational procedures to relate variations in anatomical form. Specifically, both replica and simplified airways of a single subject were investigated and compared with the replica airways of two other individuals with overtly differing geometries. Procedures to characterize and compare complex nasal airway geometry are first outlined. It is then shown that coupled computational and experimental studies, capable of obtaining highly resolved data, reveal internal flow structures in both intrinsically steady and unsteady situations. The results presented demonstrate that the intimate relation between nasal form and flow can be explored in greater detail than hitherto possible. By outlining means to compare complex airway geometries and demonstrating the effects of rational geometric simplification on the flow structure, this work offers a fresh approach to studies of how natural conduits guide and control flow. The concepts and tools address issues that are thus generic to flow studies in other physiological systems.

Does fluoroscopy prevent inadvertent parathyroidectomy in thyroid surgery?

INTRODUCTION

Near-infrared imaging may facilitate intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands by causing autofluorescence but its clinical value has not been established. Inadvertent parathyroidectomy occurs in 5-22% of thyroidectomies and is associated with temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to determine whether near-infrared imaging prevents inadvertent parathyroidectomy and early hypocalcaemia as a surrogate for permanent hypoparathyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Near-infrared imaging was used in a prospective cohort of consecutive thyroidectomies. Thyroidectomies performed prior to the introduction of near-infrared imaging formed a control group. The thyroid bed and specimen were scanned with near-infrared imaging. Areas of autofluorescence on the specimen were examined and any parathyroid tissue found was autotransplanted. Inadvertent parathyroidectomy was therefore recorded as established intraoperatively by near-infrared imaging (allowing autotransplantation) or on subsequent histology (missed). Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone were measured on day one and at two weeks and six months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 269 patients were included: 106 near-infrared imaging and 163 controls. Inadvertent parathyroidectomy was detected by near-infrared imaging in two (and autotransplantation performed) and histologically (i.e. missed by near-infrared imaging in 13, 12.3% vs 17, 10.4% controls). Neither result was statistically significant (P = 0.08, 0.89). There was no significant difference in serum calcium or parathyroid hormone between near-infrared imaging and control groups at one day, two weeks or thereafter.

DISCUSSION

Near-infrared imaging may detect inadvertent parathyroidectomy and may allow autotransplantation. It did not, however, reduce the incidence of missed inadvertent parathyroidectomy and no difference was seen in early hypocalcaemia or late hypoparathyroidism. Current near-infrared imaging technology does not appear to confer a clinical benefit sufficient to justify its use.

Aspergillosis of the larynx

Primary infection of the larynx with Aspergillus spp. is rare. It is more commonly seen as part of a wider infection involving the respiratory system in an immunocompromised host. In noncompromised patients laryngeal aspergillosis may represent colonization rather than invasion requiring no systemic anti-fungal treatment. The diagnosis is important as the presenting symptoms are suggestive of malignant laryngeal disease. We present a 62-year-old man with a short history of hoarseness. Direct laryngoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of aspergillosis. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and the important pathological characteristics of this infection are discussed.

Reducing Underserved Children's Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Randomized Counseling Trial With Maternal Smokers

INTRODUCTION

Addressing maternal smoking and child tobacco smoke exposure is a public health priority. Standard care advice and self-help materials to help parents reduce child tobacco smoke exposure is not sufficient to promote change in underserved populations. We tested the efficacy of a behavioral counseling approach with underserved maternal smokers to reduce infant's and preschooler's tobacco smoke exposure.

DESIGN

A two-arm randomized trial: enhanced behavior counseling (experimental) versus enhanced standard care (control). Assessment staff members were blinded.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred randomized maternal smokers were recruited from low-income urban communities. Participants had a child aged <4 years exposed to two or more maternal cigarettes/day at baseline.

INTERVENTION

Philadelphia Family Rules for Establishing Smoke-free Homes (FRESH) included 16 weeks of counseling. Using a behavioral shaping approach within an individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy framework, counseling reinforced efforts to adopt increasingly challenging tobacco smoke exposure-protective behaviors with the eventual goal of establishing a smoke-free home.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were end-of-treatment child cotinine and reported tobacco smoke exposure (maternal cigarettes/day exposed). Secondary outcomes were end-of-treatment 7-day point-prevalence self-reported cigarettes smoked/day and bioverified quit status.

RESULTS

Participation in FRESH behavioral counseling was associated with lower child cotinine (β=-0.18, p=0.03) and reported tobacco smoke exposure (β=-0.57, p=0.03) at the end of treatment. Mothers in behavioral counseling smoked fewer cigarettes/day (β=-1.84, p=0.03) and had higher bioverified quit rates compared with controls (13.8% vs 1.9%, χ(2)=10.56, p<0.01). There was no moderating effect of other smokers living at home.

CONCLUSIONS

FRESH behavioral counseling reduces child tobacco smoke exposure and promotes smoking quit rates in a highly distressed and vulnerable population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02117947.

Estimation of tracheostomy tube cuff pressure by pilot balloon palpation

Two methods can be used to assess the intra-cuff pressure of tracheostomy tubes: digital palpation of the pilot balloon and use of a hand-held manometer. We conducted a telephone survey to determine the prevalence of both methods in intensive care units within 21 teaching hospitals across the United Kingdom. Forty-two per cent of the intensive care units surveyed used a protocol for monitoring cuff pressure with a manometer.A study to compare these two methods, using the manometer as the reference standard, was then carried out. The cuff pressure was correctly estimated in pre-inflated tracheostomy tubes, in a tracheal model, by 61 per cent of a cross-section of intensive care unit and otolaryngology staff.Using pilot balloon palpation is inaccurate and leaves a significant proportion of patients at risk of tracheal injury. We advocate the wider availability of hand-held pressure manometers in intensive care units and the institution of protocols for monitoring cuff pressure for any patient with a tracheostomy tube with an inflated cuff in situ.

Proactive recruitment predicts participant retention to end of treatment in a secondhand smoke reduction trial with low-income maternal smokers

Improving smoking intervention trial retention in underserved populations remains a public health priority. Low retention rates undermine clinical advancements that could reduce health disparities. To examine the effects of recruitment strategies on participant retention among 279 low-income, maternal smokers who initiated treatment in a 16-week behavioral counseling trial to reduce child secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe). Participants were recruited using either reactive strategies or methods that included proactive strategies. Logistic regression analysis was used to test associations among retention and recruitment method in the context of other psychosocial and sociodemographic factors known to relate to retention. Backwards stepwise procedures determined the most parsimonious solution. Ninety-four percent of participants recruited with proactive + reactive methods were retained through end of treatment compared to 74.7% of reactive-recruited participants. Retention likelihood was five times greater if participants were recruited with proactive + reactive strategies rather than reactive recruitment alone (odds ration [OR] = 5.36; confidence interval [CI], 2.31-12.45). Greater knowledge of SHS consequences (OR = 1.58; CI, 1.07-2.34) was another significant factor retained in the final LR model. Proactive recruitment may improve retention among underserved smokers in behavioral intervention trials. Identifying factors influencing retention may improve the success of recruitment strategies in future trials, in turn, enhancing the impact of smoking interventions.

Bilateral tension pneumothorax following rigid bronchoscopy: A report of an epignathus in a newborn delivered by the EXIT procedure with a fatal outcome

We describe a case of a newborn baby with a prenatal diagnosis of an epignathus (oropharyngeal teratoma). With the potential for airway problems at birth, he was delivered by an elective EXIT (Extra Utero Intrapartum Treatment) procedure at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The airway was secured and rigid bronchoscopy performed. Initially he was stable, but developed cardiorespiratory difficulties 40 minutes after birth and died from a cardiac arrest 17 minuteslater. Tension pneumothorax is a devastating complication that can occur with lower airway manipulation for anaesthesia and rigid bronchoscopy. The addition of positive pressure during mechanical ventilation converts the pneumothorax into a tension pneumothorax. The possibility of tension pneumothorax should be entertained in a mechanically ventilated patient whose ventilatory pressures are increasing, with diminishing cardiac output. A complicated case is presented, where the diagnosis was missed with a fatal outcome.

Wegener's granuloma--presenting as a unilateral parotid swelling

Wegener's granuloma is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis which predominantly affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. The nose and paranasal sinuses are often the first or main sites to be affected. Equally ear involvement is common and a recognized early manifestation of the disease. Salivary gland involvement is rare and is usually part of more widespread systemic involvement. We present a 34-year-old female with a six-week history of hearing loss and a unilateral parotid swelling. One year previously she was diagnosed as having myalgic encephalomyelitis following a long period of post-viral malaise. The case points to the difficulties encountered when Wegener's granuloma presents in an unusual and varied way. A high index of suspicion coupled with early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The patient made a good recovery.

Euthanasia: a comparison of the lived experience of Chinese and Australian palliative care nurses

This paper reports on a study which investigated whether nurses from Eastern and Western cultures hold differing definitions of euthanasia and different perspectives of the effect of their attitudes to euthanasia on professional relationships with patients and colleagues. The focus of the study was the lived experience of Chinese and Australian nurses working in palliative care. The results indicate that there were differences between these two groups in their definitions of euthanasia. Lived experience obtained from both groups revealed conflict with patients and colleagues, and a lack of opportunity to discuss the ethical issue of euthanasia in the workplace.

Comparison of cocaine alone or with adrenaline on nasal mucosal blood flow

Cocaine is commonly used in ENT practice for its vasoconstrictor and anaesthetic properties. It is sometimes combined with adrenaline. The laser Doppler Flowmeter was used to compare the effect of 5 per cent cocaine alone or with adrenaline (1 in 1,000) on nasal mucosal blood flow. The results show an average fall in blood flow of 76.7 per cent for cocaine with adrenaline, compared to 61.2 per cent with cocaine alone. The difference is significant (P less than 0.05). The time taken for the blood flow to fall was an average of 131 s and 160 s respectively. These differences are not significant.

Temporary threshold shift due to recreational firearm use

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a temporary threshold shift occurred after recreational firearm use.

DESIGN

An observational study of 25 subjects using ear protection in an indoor rifle range. Hearing was evaluated before and after shooting five rounds with a 0.22 calibre rifle over 10 minutes. A threshold shift of 5 dB was found to be statistically significant, while a shift of 10 dB was clinically significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-four candidates had a statistically significant threshold shift, while 12 had a clinically significant threshold shift. Two subjects with previous industrial noise exposure had threshold shifts at more frequencies than other subjects. There was no significant preference for either ear. One subject showed no changes.

CONCLUSION

This small study sheds some light on impulse noise behaviour in an indoor shooting range, but no definite conclusions can be drawn. The side of shooting did not influence threshold changes in either ear.

The effect of ice packs upon nasal mucosal blood flow

The effect on nasal mucosal blood flow of ice packs on the forehead and ice packs within the mouth was investigated in 16 healthy subjects. The laser Doppler flowmeter was used to record changes in blood flow to the inferior turbinate, as measured by change in the flux. Ice packs within the mouth produced a significant decrease in nasal mucosal blood flow (p less than 0.05). The average fall was 23% (SEM 5.9) compared with the control measurements. No significant change was recorded following the application of ice packs to the forehead. The results of this study question the scientific rationale behind the use of forehead ice packs in clinical practice.

Lipoma of the left tonsillar fossa

Lipomas are common benign connective tissue tumours composed of adult adipose tissue. They are relatively rare in the upper aerodigestive tract, although they occur with considerable frequency in other areas, particularly in the subcutaneous tissues of the neck. Although there are several reports of this tumour occurring in the oropharynx, there is no recorded case of a lipoma of the tonsillar fossa. An 83-year-old man with a left tonsillar fossa lipoma is presented. Clinical presentation, management and a literature review are discussed.

Residential smoking restrictions are not associated with reduced child SHS exposure in a baseline sample of low-income, urban African Americans

Second hand smoke exposure (SHSe) relates to many chronic and acute illnesses. Low income African American (AA) maternal smokers and their children have disproportionately higher tobacco-use and child SHSe-related morbidity and mortality than other populations. While public health officials promote residential smoking restrictions to reduce SHSe and promote smoking cessation, little is known about the impact of restrictions in changing smoking behavior and SHSe in this population. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine associations between residential smoking restrictions, maternal smoking, and young children's SHSe in the context of other factors known to influence low income AA mothers' smoking behavior. For this study, we used cross-sectional, baseline data from 307 AA maternal smokers' pre-treatment interviews completed as part of a subsequent behavioral counseling trial to reduce their young (< 4 years old) children's SHSe. Residential smoking restriction was dichotomized as 0 = no restrictions and 1 = some restrictions. Child urine cotinine provided a biomarker of SHSe. Mothers reported cigarettes/day smoked, cigarettes/day exposed to child, and intention to quit. Multivariate regressions modeled effects of restriction as the primary predictor of smoking and exposure outcomes. Maternal smoking patterns such as cigarettes per day (β = 0.52, p < 0.001) and years smoked (β = -0.11; p = 0.03) along with presence of additional smokers in the home (β = 0.10; p = 0.04), but not residential restriction (β = -0.09, p = 0.10), predicted reported SHSe. Restriction did not relate to baby cotinine or maternal intention to quit. Thus, residential smoking restrictions may contribute to efforts to reduce children's SHSe and promote maternal smoking change; but alone, may not constitute a sufficient intervention to protect children. Multi-level intervention approaches that include SHSe-reduction residential smoking policies plus support and cessation assistance for smokers may be a necessary approach to smoke-free home adoption and adherence.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Patients: a UK Population Analysis

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly common disorder associated with increased cardiovascular disease, mortality, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of road traffic accidents. A significant proportion of patients with OSA in the UK are undiagnosed. This study aims to identify risk factors for OSA in an obese cohort.

Method

A population-based study was conducted of obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). A logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for developing OSA according to other clinicopathological characteristics. Multivariate analysis was conducted of individual factors that affect the propensity to develop OSA. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050.

Results

From 276,600 obese patients identified during a data extraction of the CPRD in July 2017, the prevalence of OSA was 5.4%. The following risk factors were found to be independently associated with increased likelihood of OSA: male sex (OR = 3.273; p < 0.001), BMI class II (OR = 1.640; p < 0.001), BMI class III (OR = 3.768; p < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.179; p < 0.001), COPD (OR = 1.722; p < 0.001), GERD (OR = 1.557; p < 0.001), hypothyroidism (OR = 1.311; p < 0.001), acromegaly (OR = 3.543; p < 0.001), and benzodiazepine use (OR = 1.492; p < 0.001). Bariatric surgery was associated with reduced risk of OSA amongst this obese population (OR = 0.260; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In obese patients, there are numerous comorbidities that are associated with increased likelihood of OSA. These factors can help prompt clinicians to identify undiagnosed OSA. Bariatric surgery appears to be protective against developing OSA.

Morbidity in parathyroid surgery for renal disease is under reported: a comparison of outcomes with primary hyperparathyroidism

Introduction Parathyroidectomy is considered to be a safe procedure with low morbidity. However, while this is true for primary hyperparathyroidism, whether it applies to tertiary disease is not so well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity of surgery for tertiary hyperparathyroidism compared with primary disease and to establish whether there are predictive factors for poor outcomes. Methods Data for patients subjected to parathyroidectomy during the period 2007-2015 were retrospectively analysed from a prospectively collected database. Patient age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, renal status, extent of operation and indications for surgery were examined. The complication and mortality rate were compared and independent predictors of outcome were examined. Results A total of 1079 patients were scheduled for a parathyroidectomy during the study period of whom 158 for renal related hyperparathyroidism (renal group) and 921 for primary disease (non-renal group). There was a significantly higher complication rate in the renal parathyroid group, including a higher mortality (1.3% vs 0.1%, P = 0.011), overall complication rate (7.0% vs 2.3%, P = 0.001), surgery related complication rate (4.4% vs 1.7%, P = 0.03) and systemic complication rate (2.5% vs 0.4%, P = 0.005). In patients with ASA score ≤ 2 reoperative surgery (OR 9.25, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.41-60.75), male sex (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.46-11.63) and renal impairment were (OR 5.86, 95% CI 1.65-20.78) were predictors of worse outcomes. In patients with ASA score ≥3 renal impairment, in addition to other variables, were not predictors of complications. Conclusions Parathyroidectomy in renal-related disease is associated with a significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared with primary hyperparathyroidism.

A critical review of thyroidectomy consent in the UK

BACKGROUND

In 2015-16, the National Health Service (NHS) Litigation Authority received 10,965 claims for clinical negligence, with surgery having the highest number of claims. Currently a sum amounting to 25% of the annual NHS budget has been ring-fenced to meet extant claims. Claims made on a basis of inadequate informed consent are increasingly seen with many achieving a successful plaintiff outcome. There are presently no UK guidelines for thyroidectomy consent.

METHOD

A prospective study was performed to investigate current consent practice among the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS) membership and patients having previously undergone thyroidectomy. For surgeons, the Bolam legal test applied where surgeons declared what risks and complications they routinely consented for during their practice. A study was also undertaken in patients who had previously undergone thyroidectomy for cancer applying the rule of Montgomery.

RESULTS

Consent practice from 193 surgeons and data from 415 patients was analysed. In total thyroidectomy for cancer, 95% of surgeons consent for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) injury and temporary or permanent voice change. 70% specifically consent for External Laryngeal Nerve (ELN) injury, 50% for tracheostomy and 55% for general anaesthetic associated complications. Analysis of patient data showed they would like to be consented for far more risks than they are presently informed about in general medical practice. There was significant variation in the consenting practice in BAETS surgeons.

CONCLUSION

A BAETS approved consensus guideline to standardise UK consent practice would be appropriate. This may reduce complaints, litigation claims and guide expert witnesses.

The changing face of reoperative parathyroidectomy: a single-centre comparison of 147 parathyroid reoperations

INTRODUCTION

Reoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism is dependent on radiology. This study aimed to compare outcomes in reoperative parathyroidectomy at a single centre using a combination of traditional and newer imaging studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case note review of all reoperative parathyroidectomies for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism over five years (June 2014 to June 2019; group A). Imaging modalities used and their positive predictive value, complications and cure rates were compared with a published dataset spanning the preceding nine years (group B).

RESULTS

From over 2000 parathyroidectomies, 147 were reoperations (101 in group A and 46 in group B). Age and sex ratios were similar (56 vs 62 years; 77% vs 72% female). Ultrasound use remains high and shows better positive predictive value (76% vs 57 %). 99mTc-sestamibi use has declined (79% vs 91%) but the positive predictive value has improved (74% vs 53%). 4DCT use has almost doubled (61% vs 37%) with better positive predictive value (88% vs 75%). 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography-computed tomography and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for parathyroid hormone are novel modalities only available for group A. Both carried a positive predictive value of 100%. Venous sampling with or without angiography use has decreased (35% vs 39%) but maintains a high positive predictive value (86% vs 91%). Cure rates were similar (96% vs 100%). Group A had 5% permanent hypoparathyroidism, 1% permanent vocal cord palsy and 1% haematoma requiring reoperation. No complications for group B.

CONCLUSION

Optimal imaging is key to good cure rates in reoperative parathyroidectomy. High-quality, non-interventional imaging techniques have produced a shift in the preoperative algorithm without compromising outcomes.

An update on the management of thyroid nodules: rationalising the guidelines

BACKGROUND

Guidance for the management of thyroid nodules has evolved over time, from initial evaluation based predominantly on clinical grounds to now including the established role of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology in their assessment. There is, however, significant variation in the management of thyroid nodules depending on which national guidelines are followed. In addition, there are certain clinical situations such as pregnancy and paediatric thyroid nodules that have differing evaluation priorities.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to provide an overview of currently accepted practices for the initial investigation and subsequent management of patients with thyroid nodules for the non-specialist. The review also addresses areas of variance between the systems in common clinical use, as well as newer, evolving technologies, including molecular testing in the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Mixed-reality technology for clinical communication: objective assessment of the HoloLens 2 as a clinical communication device in a simulated on-call scenario

OBJECTIVE

Specialty on-call clinicians cover large areas and complex workloads. This study aimed to assess clinical communication using the mixed-reality HoloLens 2 device within a simulated on-call scenario.

METHOD

This study was structured as a randomised, within-participant, controlled study. Thirty ENT trainees used either the HoloLens 2 or a traditional telephone to communicate a clinical case to a consultant. The quality of the clinical communication was scored objectively and subjectively.

RESULTS

Clinical communication using the HoloLens 2 scored statistically higher than telephone (n = 30) (11.9 of 15 vs 10.2 of 15; p = 0.001). Subjectively, consultants judged more communication episodes to be inadequate when using the telephone (7 of 30) versus the HoloLens 2 (0 of 30) (p = 0.01). Qualitative feedback indicates that the HoloLens 2 was easy to use and would add value during an on-call scenario with remote consultant supervision.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the benefit that mixed-reality devices, such as the HoloLens 2 can bring to clinical communication through increasing the accuracy of communication and confidence of the users.

Coronavirus disease tracheostomy complications: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 increased the numbers of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, with a subsequent increase in tracheostomy procedures. Coronavirus disease 2019 patients are high risk for surgical complications. This review examines open surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy complications in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

METHODS

Medline and Embase databases were searched (November 2021), and the abstracts of relevant articles were screened. Data were collected regarding tracheostomy technique and complications. Complication rates were compared between percutaneous and open surgical tracheostomy.

RESULTS

Percutaneous tracheostomy was higher risk for bleeding, pneumothorax and false passage. Surgical tracheostomy was higher risk for peri-operative hypoxia. The most common complication for both techniques was post-operative bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Coronavirus disease 2019 patients undergoing tracheostomy are at higher risk of bleeding and peri-operative hypoxia than non-coronavirus disease patients. High doses of anti-coagulants may partially explain this. Reasons for higher bleeding risk in percutaneous over open surgical technique remain unclear. Further research is required to determine the causes of differences found and to establish mitigating strategies.