Mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent tracheostomy due to prolonged mechanical ventilation / Mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 grave sometidos a traqueostomía por ventilación mecánica prolongada

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of tracheostomy has been questioned in patients with COVID-19 and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). AIM: To compare the 90-day mortality rate of patients who underwent a tracheostomy due prolonged IMV with those that did not receive this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a historical cohort of 92 patients with COVID-19 and prolonged IMV (> 10 days). The primary outcome was the 90-day mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included days on IMV, hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, frequency of nosocomial infections, and thrombotic complications demonstrated by images. A logistic regression was performed to adjust the effect of tracheostomy by SOFA score and days on IMV. RESULTS: Forty six patients aged 54 to 66 years (72% males) underwent tracheostomy. They had a median of two comorbidities, and received the procedure after a median of 20.5 days on IMV (interquartile range: 17-26). 90-day mortality was lower in patients who were tracheostomized than in the control group (6.5% vs. 32.6%, p-value < 0.01). However, after controlling for confounding factors, no differences were found in mortality between both groups (relative risk = 0.303, p-value = 0.233). Healthcare-associated infections and hospital/ICU length of stay were higher in patients with tracheostomy than in controls. Thrombotic complications occurred in 42.4% of the patients, without differences between both groups. No cases of COVID-19 were registered in the healthcare personnel who performed tracheostomies. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19 undergoing prolonged IMV, performing a tracheostomy is not associated with excess mortality, and it is a safe procedure for healthcare personnel.

ANTECEDENTES: La utilidad de la traqueostomía en pacientes COVID-19 sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) prolongada ha sido cuestionada. OBJETIVO: Comparar la mortalidad a 90 días en estos pacientes, con y sin traqueostomía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudiamos una cohorte histórica de 92 pacientes COVID-19 con VMI prolongada (>10 días). El desenlace prima-rio fue mortalidad a 90 días. Se consideraron desenlaces secundarios los días en VMI, estadía hospitalaria/UCI, frecuencia de infecciones nosocomiales, y eventos trombóticos. Mediante regresión logística se ajustó el efecto de la traqueostomía en la mortalidad, por SOFA y días de VMI. RESULTADOS: Cuarenta y seis pacientes de 54 a 66 años (72% hombres) fueron traqueostomizados. Ellos tenían una mediana de dos comorbilidades, y recibieron el procedimiento luego de una mediana de 20,5 días en VMI (rango intercuartílico: 17-26). En el análisis crudo, la mortalidad a 90 días fue menor en los pacientes con traqueostomía que en el grupo control (6,5% vs. 32,6%; p < 0,001). No obstante, luego de controlar por factores de confusión, no se encontraron diferencias en mortalidad (riesgo relativo 0,303; p = 0,233). Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud y la estadía en hospital/UCI fueron mayores en los pacientes traqueostomizados que en los controles. Los eventos trombóticos ocurrieron en el 42,4% de los pacientes, sin diferencias entre grupos. No hubo casos de COVID-19 en el personal de salud que realizó las traqueostomías. CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con COVID-19 sometidos a VMI prolongada, la realización de una traqueostomía no se asocia a un exceso de mortalidad, y es un procedimiento seguro para el personal sanitario.

Características de deglutição e ingestão oral pré e pós acompanhamento fonoaudiológico de pacientes traqueostomizados internados em um hospital universitário / Swallowing characteristics and oral intake before and after speech therapy follow-up of tracheostomized patients admitted to a university hospital / Características de deglución e ingesta oral antes y después del seguimiento logopédico de pacientes traqueostomizados ingresados en un hospital universitario

Introdução: A traqueostomia pode impactar na deglutição e gerar alterações neurofisiológicas e mecânicas. Objetivo: Analisar a funcionalidade da deglutição em pacientes traqueostomizados internados em um hospital universitário, pré e pós intervenção fonoaudiológica por meio da análise de protocolos do serviço ­ Protocolo Adaptado (base na escalaFOIS e Protocolo de Avaliação do Risco para Disfagia ­ PARD). Método: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, analítico observacional, de abordagem quantitativa. Analisados 114 protocolos de avaliação da deglutição, verificou-se o grau de disfagia conforme a classificação de O'Neile escala FOIS em um período de quatro anos. Pesquisa aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Instituição (29894920.5.0000.5349). Resultados: Após analisados os protocolos constataram-se que a maioria era do sexo masculino com média de idade de 54,55 anos. Observou-se a predominância das seguintes comorbidades prévias de saúde: pneumonia, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico. Após o acompanhamento fonoaudiológico houve melhora da biomecânica da deglutição com mais pacientes apresentando deglutição funcional ­ um (0,9%) para 12 (10,5%), redução do número de sujeitos com disfagia grave ­ 32 (28,1%) para 17 (14,9%) e maior ingestão por via oral ­ 79 (69,3%) dos pacientes aumentaram o nível de ingestão oral conforme a escala FOIS. A maior parte da amostra apresentou boa tolerância à oclusão de traqueostomia e 60 (52,6%) progrediram para decanulação. Conclusão: A presença da traqueostomia impactou sobre a funcionalidade da deglutição, pois a maioria dos pacientes possuía algum grau de disfagia. Ressalta-se a importância da atuação fonoaudiológica no processo de reabilitação da deglutição, auxiliando no processo de decanulação.

Introduction: Tracheostomy may impact swallowing and generate neurophysiological and mechanical alterations. Objective: To analyze the swallowing functionality in tracheostomized patients admitted to a university hospital, before and after speech-language therapy intervention through the analysis of the service protocols - Adapted Protocol (based on the FOIS scale and Dysphagia Risk Assessment Protocol - PARD). Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical observational study, with a quantitative approach. We analyzed 114 swallowing assessment protocols, and checked the degree of dysphagia according to O'Neil's classification and FOISscale over a four-year period. Research approved by the Institution's Research Ethics Committee (29894920.5.0000.5349). Results: After analyzing the protocols it was found that the majority were male with a mean age of 54.55 years. A predominance of the following previous health comorbidities was observed: pneumonia, systemic arterial hypertension and ischemic stroke. After the speech-language therapy follow-up there was an improvement in swallowing biomechanics with more patients presenting functional swallowing - one (0.9%) to 12 (10.5%), reduction in the number of subjects with severe dysphagia - 32 (28.1%) to 17 (14.9%) and greater oral intake - 79 (69.3%) of the patients increased the level of oral intake according to the FOIS scale. Most of the sample showed good tolerance to tracheostomy occlusion and 60 (52.6%) progressed to decannulation. Conclusion: The presence of a tracheostomy had an impact on swallowing functionality, since most patients had some degree of dysphagia. We emphasize the importance of speech therapy in the swallowing rehabilitation process, helping in the decannulation process.

Introducción: La traqueotomía puede afectar la deglución y generar cambios neurofisiológicos y mecánicos. Objetivo: Analizar la funcionalidad de la deglución en pacientes traqueostomizados ingresados en un hospital universitario, antes y después de la intervención logopédica mediante el análisis de protocolos de servicio - Protocolo Adaptado (basado en la escala FOIS y Protocolo de Evaluación de Riesgos para Disfagia - PARD). Método: Estudio observacional analítico, transversal, retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. Tras analizar 114 protocolos de evaluación de la deglución, se verificó el grado de disfagia según la clasificación de O'Neil y la escala FOIS durante un período de cuatro años. Investigación aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Institución (29894920.5.0000.5349). Resultados: Tras analizar los protocolos, se encontró que la mayoría eran varones con una edad media de 54,55 años. Predominaron las siguientes comorbilidades de salud previas: neumonía, hipertensión arterial sistémica e ictus isquémico. Después del seguimiento de logopedia, hubo una mejora en la biomecánica de la deglución, con más pacientes presentando deglución funcional - uno (0,9%) a 12 (10,5%), una reducción en el número de sujetos con disfagia severa - 32 (28,1%) %) a 17 (14,9%) y mayor ingesta oral - 79 (69,3%) de los pacientes aumentaron el nivel de ingesta oral según la escala FOIS. La mayor parte de la muestra mostró buena tolerancia a la oclusión de la traqueotomía y 60 (52,6%) progresaron a decanulación. Conclusión: La presencia de traqueotomía repercutió en la funcionalidad de la deglución, ya que la mayoría de los pacientes presentaba algún grado de disfagia. Enfatiza la importancia de la logopedia en el proceso de rehabilitación de la deglución, ayudando en el proceso de decanulación.

Assessment of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care and management of early complications among healthcare professionals / Avaliação do conhecimento sobre cuidados com a traqueostomia e manejo de complicações precoces entre profissionais de saúde

Abstract Introduction: Tracheostomy is commonly performed surgical procedure in ENT practice. Postoperative care is the most important aspect for achieving good patient outcomes. Unavailability of standard guidelines on tracheostomy management and inadequate training can make this basic practice complex. The nursing staff and doctors play a very important role in bedside management, both in the ward and in the intensive care unit (ICU) setup. Therefore, it is crucial that all healthcare providers directly involved in providing postoperative care to such patients can do this efficiently. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge regarding identification and management of tracheostomy-related emergencies and early complications among healthcare professionals so as to improve practice and further standardization. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study included two hundred and fifty-four doctors and nurses from four large tertiary care hospitals. The questions used were simple and straightforward regarding tracheostomy suctioning, cuff care, cuff management, tube blockage, and feeding management in patients with tracheostomy. Results: Based on evidence from our study, knowledge level regarding tracheostomy care ranges from 48% to 52% with knowledge scores above 50% being considered satisfactory. Significant gaps in knowledge exist in various aspects of tracheostomy care and management among healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated an adequate knowledge level among health care professionals ranging from 48% to 52% with knowledge scores above 50% being considered satisfactory and revealed that gaps in knowledge still exist in various aspects of tracheostomy care and management.

HIGHLIGHTS Healthcare workers should be well versed in identifying tracheostomy management, its complications and responding accordingly. Doctors and nurses (131 =52%) possessed good knowledge about various aspects of tracheostomy care and management. The poorest scores were regarding cuff pressure (38.9%), suction pressure (39.4%) and first response in tube blockade (31.1%). Higher scores were found in age group 26 to 30 years (54.2%) and those having 1-3 years of clinical experience (41.2%). No statistically significant assoiation of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care was apparent with age, gender or years of practice.

Resumo Introdução: A traqueostomia é um procedimento cirúrgico comumente feito na prática otorrinolaringológica. O cuidado pós-operatório é o aspecto mais importante para alcançar bons resultados para o paciente. A indisponibilidade de diretrizes padrão para o manejo da traqueostomia e o treinamento inadequado podem tornar complexa essa prática básica. A equipe de enfermagem e os médicos desempenham um papel muito importante no manejo à beira do leito, tanto na enfermaria quanto na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Portanto, é crucial que todos os profissionais de saúde diretamente envolvidos na prestação de cuidados pós-operatórios a esses pacientes possam fazer isso de forma eficiente. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a identificação e manejo de emergências relacionadas à traqueostomia e complicações precoces entre os profissionais de saúde, a fim de melhorar a prática e sua padronização. Método: Estudo observacional transversal que incluiu 254 médicos e enfermeiras de quatro grandes hospitais terciários. As perguntas foram simples e diretas em relação à aspiração da traqueostomia, cuidados com o cuff, manejo do cuff, obstrução da cânula e manejo da alimentação em pacientes traqueostomizados. Resultado: Com base nas evidências de nosso estudo, o nível de conhecimento sobre os cuidados com a traqueostomia varia de 48% a 52%, com escores de conhecimento acima de 50% considerados satisfatórios. Existem lacunas significativas no conhecimento em vários aspectos dos cuidados e manejo da traqueostomia entre os profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: Nossos achados demonstraram um nível de conhecimento adequado entre os profissionais de saúde, variação de 48% a 52%, com escores de conhecimento acima de 50% considerados satisfatórios e revelaram que ainda existem lacunas no conhecimento em vários aspectos do tratamento e manejo do paciente traqueostomizado.

DESTAQUES Profissionais de saúde devem estar bem familiarizados com a identificac¸ão do manejo da traqueostomia, suas complicac¸ões e como agir de acordo com a necessidade. Médicos e enfermeiras (131 = 52%) possuíam bons conhecimentos sobre vários aspectos dos cuidados e manejo da traqueostomia. Os piores escores foram em relac¸ão à pressão adequada do cuff (38,9%), à pressão de aspirac¸ão adequada (39,4%) e primeiros socorros em caso de obstruc¸ão da cânula (31,1%). Os melhores escores foram encontrados no grupo 26 a 30 anos (54,2%) e aqueles com experiência clínica de 1-3 anos (41,2%). Não houve associac¸ão estatisticamente significante entre o conhecimento sobre os cuidados com a traqueostomia, idade e gênero e os anos de prática de médicos e enfermeiras.

Cierre de fístula traqueocutánea recidivante / Closure of Recurrent Tracheocutaneous Fistula

Introducción: La fístula traqueocutánea es la complicación más frecuente de la traqueostomía, que lleva a la necesidad de usar diferentes tipos de plastias para lograr un cierre definitivo. Objetivo: Mostrar una opción de tratamiento quirúrgico para garantizar un cierre definitivo de la fístula traqueocutánea recidivante. Caso clínico: Se presenta paciente masculino de 45 años con antecedentes de traqueostomía sin cierre espontáneo; quien desarrolló fístula traqueocutánea tratada con doble plastia de deslizamiento frontal tipo Szymanowski, con posterior recidiva, motivo por el que acude a consulta. Se realizó cierre directo de mucosa traqueal con plicatura de músculo platisma y avance de colgajos de piel rectangulares para reforzar cobertura de la pared anterior de la tráquea. Se logró corregir la fístula mediante un procedimiento simple, rápido y efectivo. Conclusiones: Este método evita las dificultades encontradas en otros procedimientos y garantiza la corrección funcional y estética con el empleo de una técnica simple con baja morbilidad(AU)

Introduction: Tracheocutaneous fistula is the most frequent complication of tracheostomy, leading to the need to use different types of plasties to achieve a definitive closure. Objective: To show a surgical treatment option for guaranteeing a definitive closure of recurrent tracheocutaneous fistula. Clinical case: We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient with a history of tracheostomy without spontaneous closure, who developed tracheocutaneous fistula managed through double plasty of anterior sliding of Szymanowski type, followed by recurrence. Direct closure of the tracheal mucosa was performed with platysma muscle plication and advancement of rectangular skin flaps for reinforcing coverage of the anterior wall of the trachea. Correction of the fistula was achieved by a simple, fast and effective procedure. Conclusions: This method avoids the difficulties found in other procedures, and guarantees functional and aesthetic correction with the use of a simple technique with low morbidity(AU)

Vía aérea difícil: ¿qué hacer cuando los algoritmos no funcionan? / Difficult airway If algorithm doesn't work?

Subglottic stenosis is a congenital and/or acquired pathology, which can be secondary to prolonged endotracheal intubation and tracheotomy. It is associated with hypoperfusion of the epithelium related to the cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube and/ or the tracheostomy cannula. Grade III-IV stenosis represents urgent and/or emergent airways, which must be managed by expert anesthesiologists who are extensively trained in techniques and algorithms. We report a case of a woman with multiple pre- dictors of difficult airway, obesity and mechanical ventilation due to tracheotomy; with subsequent grade III subglottic stenosis managed with tracheal dilation; who presented a new symptomatic episode, a non-dilatable stenosis of 2 mm and an indication for emergency tracheal reconstruction.

Las estenosis subglótica es una patología congénita y/o adquirida, que puede ser secundaria a intubación endotraqueal prolongada y necesidad de traqueostomía. Está asociada a una hipoperfusión del epitelio relacionado con la presión de cuff del tubo endotraqueal y/o de la cánula de traqueostomía. Las estenosis grado III-IV, representan vías aéreas urgentes y/o emergentes, que deben manejarse por anestesiólogos expertos y ampliamente entrenados en las técnicas y los algoritmos. Reportamos el caso de una mujer con múltiples predictores de vía aérea difícil, antecedente obesidad y de ventilación mecánica por traqueotomía; con posterior estenosis subglótica grado III manejada con dilatación traqueal; que presenta nuevo episodio sintomático, una estenosis no dilatable de 2 mm e indicación de reconstrucción traqueal de emergencia.

Consideraciones clínicas para fonoaudiólogos en el tratamiento de personas con COVID-19 y traqueostomía. Parte I: Deglución / Clinical considerations for speech-language pathologists in the treatment of people with COVID-19 and tracheostomy. Part I: Swallowing

A la fecha de redacción de este artículo, más de 500 mil personas han sido afectadas por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en Chile, manifestando diferentes grados de la enfermedad COVID-19. Aquellas que sobrellevan condiciones más severas generan una condición que requiere soporte ventilatorio invasivo y tratamiento en unidades de cuidados intensivos, que de prolongarse en el tiempo deriva en la necesidad de una traqueostomía. A pesar de los beneficios que posee esta en la recuperación de personas con dificultades respiratorias, su implementación se asocia a alteraciones deglutorias que se suman a las generadas por COVID-19. Condición que supone un desafío para los/as fonoaudiólogos/as, quienes están expuestos/as al virus debido a su proceder en estructuras del tracto aerodigestivo y la realización de procedimientos potencialmente generadores de aerosol. El objetivo de este artículo es entregar orientaciones y herramientas clínicas para la intervención en la deglución de personas con traqueostomía y COVID-19. Estas emanan de un análisis pragmático de la evidencia disponible a la fecha, interpretadas bajo nuestra experiencia de atender a más de 561 personas con dicha condición. Se espera contribuir a la rehabilitación de la deglución en personas con COVID-19 y traqueostomía. Para ello se expone sobre las características de la deglución en esta población, su tratamiento, consideraciones para el uso de técnicas específicas, y orientaciones para la mejora de la calidad de vida mediante la mantención y/o recuperación de la funcionalidad deglutoria. Siempre bajo un esquema centrado en el cuidado y protección de las personas hospitalizadas y el equipo de salud.

At the time of writing this article, more than a million people have been affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Chile, displaying different degrees of COVID-19 disease. Severe infections generate a condition that requires invasive ventilatory support and treatment in intensive care units, which, when extended in time, makes necessary conducting a tracheostomy. Despite its benefits for the recovery of patients with respiratory difficulties, it is linked to swallowing disorders that add to the problems generated by COVID-19. This represents a challenge for speech pathologists, who are potentially exposed to the virus because they work on structures of the aerodigestive tract and becuase they conduct procedures that may be aerosol-generating. The aim of this article is to provide guidance and clinical tools for swallowing-intervention in people with tracheostomies and COVID-19. Thees tools spring from a pragmatic analysis of the currently available evidence , interpreted based on our experience of caring more than561 infected patients. We hope to contribute to the rehabilitation of swallowing of patients with COVID-19 and a tracheostomy. The characteristics of swallowing in this population, its treatment, considerations for the use of specific techniques, and guidelines for improving the quality of life through the maintenance and/or recovery of swallowing functionality are discussed, focused caring and protecting hospitalized patients and the health team.

Consideraciones clínicas para fonoaudiólogos en el tratamiento de personas con COVID-19 y traqueostomía. Parte II: Mejorando la fonación para facilitar la comunicación / Clinical considerations for speech-language pathologists in the treatment of people with COVID-19 and tracheostomy. Part II: Improving phonation to facilitate communicatio

La enfermedad COVID-19 fue declarada pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Su presentación más severa genera una condición que requiere tratamiento en unidades de cuidados intensivos, condición que al prolongarse en el tiempo requiere la implementación de una traqueostomía para facilitar la entrega de soporte ventilatorio invasivo. Si bien este dispositivo posee importantes ventajas que favorecen la recuperación y rehabilitación, también es cierto que genera diversas complicaciones en la comunicación de las personas, condición que se suma a los efectos propios del COVID-19 y la frecuente historia de intubación endotraqueal previa. El objetivo de este artículo es proveer orientaciones y herramientas clínicas para el tratamiento de la fonación para la comunicación en personas con traqueostomía y COVID-19. Se considera para ello las recomendaciones de la literatura existentes a la fecha, bajo un análisis pragmático y basado en nuestra experiencia de atender a más de 561 personas con esta condición. Se exponen las características de la comunicación en esta población, su tratamiento, consideraciones para el uso de técnicas específicas y orientaciones para la mejora de la calidad de vida. Siempre con un enfoque orientado al cuidado y protección de las/os usuarias/os y el equipo de salud, en particular fonoaudiólogas y fonoaudiólogos del país.

The COVID-19 disease was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. When most severe, it generates a condition that requires treatment in intensive care units, which, when extended in time, requires implementing of a tracheostomy to facilitate invasive ventilatory support. Although ventilatory support has important advantages that favor recovery and rehabilitation, it generates various complications for patients' communication, a condition that adds to the effects of COVID-19 and the frequent history of previous endotracheal intubation. The aim of this article is to provide guidance and clinical tools for the treatment of phonation to facilitate communication in people with tracheostomy and COVID-19. For this, the recommendations of the existing available literature are considered, under a pragmatic analysis and based on our experience of treating more than 561 infected patients. The characteristics of communication in this population, its treatment, considerations for the use of specific techniques and guidelines to improve quality of life are exposed. Always with an approach oriented to the care and protection of users and the health team, in particular speech-language pathologists in the country.

Traqueostomía percutánea en cuidado intensivo: una opción rápida, fácil y segura / Percutaneus tracheostomy in intensive care, a quick, easy and safe option

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is one of the most frequent causes of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), when such support is prolonged and its removal is not possible, tracheostomy emerges as the only alternative. We seek to identify and describe the clinical outcomes of patients in IMV undergoing a percutaneous tracheostomy technique. We present a descriptive cross-sectional study based on a cohort of adult patients with IMV admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019, performing the percutaneous tracheostomy technique at the patient's bedside. Demographic, intervention, and outcome variables were collected. We found 46 patients, with an average age of 52.6 years (DE), 69.57% corresponded to male sex. The most frequent indication was the presence of neurological disorders, and the average number of days until its completion was 10.36%. 36.96% were performed by the intensivists and the remaining 63.04% by general surgeons, their percentage of complications was diferent, compared to 7.4% worldwide. The most frequent complication was the pneumothorax 6.5%. We did not have mortality or infections. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe, fast and efficient alternative achievable in the patient's bedside by the trained anesthesiologist.

La ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) es una de las causas más frecuentes de ingreso en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo (UCI), cuando dicho soporte se prolonga y no es posible su retiro surge la traqueostomía como única alternativa. Buscamos identificar y describir los desenlaces clínicos de pacientes en VMI sometidos a una técnica de traqueostomía percutánea. Presentamos un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal basado en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con VMI ingresados en la UCI entre el 1 de enero de 2017 y 30 de junio de 2019, realizándoles la técnica percutánea de traqueostomía en la cabecera del paciente. Se recolectaron variables demográficas, de intervención y desenlace. Encontramos 46 pacientes, con una media de edad de 52,6 años (DE), el 69,57% correspondía a sexo masculino. La indicación más frecuente fue la presencia de trastornos neurológicos, y la media de días hasta su realización fue de 10,36. El 36,96% fueron realizadas por los intensivistas y el 63,04% restante por cirujanos generales, su porcentaje de complicaciones fue diferente, frente a 7,4% a nivel mundial. La complicación más frecuente fue el neumotórax 6,5%. No tuvimos mortalidad ni infecciones. La traqueostomía percutánea es una alternativa segura, rápida y eficiente realizable en la cabecera del paciente por el anestesiólogo entrenado.

Predictors of difficulty in bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: pilot study / Preditores de dificuldade em traqueostomia percutânea à beira do leito: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Introduction: percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is currently one of the main procedures performed in an intensive care unit (ICU). However, there are no well-defined indicators of technical difficulty in performing the procedure. Objectives: to define predictors of difficulty in performing bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Methodology: prospective cohort study encompassing 21 patients who underwent bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the ICU at a single center. Results: Sternohyoid (SH) distance shorter than 7 cm is associated with a 50% increase in the risk of technical difficulty (OR 0.44 and p <0.03). Conclusion: the reduction in (SH) distance is related to an increased risk of difficulty in performing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the ICU bed.

RESUMO Introdução: a traqueostomia percutânea é hoje um dos principais procedimentos realizados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Não há, contudo, indicadores bem definidos de dificuldade técnica na realização do procedimento. Objetivos: definir preditores de dificuldade para realização de traqueostomia percutânea. Metodologia: estudo de coorte prospectivo no qual foram incluídos 21 pacientes submetidos a traqueostomia percutânea à beira leito, na UTI, em um único centro. Resultados: distância EH menor que 7 cm está associada a aumento de 50% na chance de dificuldade técnica (OR 0,44 e p<0,03). Conclusão: a redução da distância EH está relacionada com aumento do risco de dificuldade em realizar a traqueostomia percutânea à beira do leito, em UTI.

Indicaciones y cuidados de la traqueostomía en pediatría / Indications and care of the tracheostomy in pediatrics

Tracheostomy in children is an extremely delicate procedure, which consists in the creation of a stoma between the trachea and the skin. Among the most frequent indications are neurological disorders, obstruction of the upper airway or prolonged mechanical ventilation. Pediatric versus adult airway differences should be considered during surgery. In the postoperative period, hemorrhage, pneumothorax, pneumomediatin can occur. In the late postoperative period, accidental decannulation, false pathway, infection of the tracheostomy, and later formation of periostomal or endotracheal granulomas may occur. The care of the tracheostomy in the clinical unit must be with trained personnel and the family environment must be prepared for home care. As long as the tracheostomy persists, control of the airway superior and inferior to the tracheostomy must be maintained by fiber optic. Patients with neurological compromise or cardiopulmonary damage have a lower decannulation rate and a longer hospital stay.

La traqueostomía en niños es un procedimiento extremadamente delicado, que consiste en la creación de un ostoma entre la tráquea y la piel. Entre las indicaciones más frecuentes se encuentran trastornos neurológicos, obstrucción de la vía aérea superior o ventilación mecánica prolongada. Consideraciones a las diferencias de la vía aérea pediátrica versus del adulto deben tenerse en cuenta durante la cirugía. En el postoperatorio se puede presentar hemorragia, neumotórax y neumomediastino. En el postoperatorio tardío puede ocurrir decanulación accidental, falsa vía, infección de la traqueostomía, y más tardíamente formación de granulomas periostomales o endotraqueales. El cuidado de la traqueostomía en la unidad clínica debe ser con personal capacitado y se debe preparar el entorno familiar para el cuidado en el domicilio. Mientras persista la traqueostomía se debe mantener control por fibra óptica de la vía aérea superior e inferior a la traqueostomía. Los pacientes con compromiso neurológico o daño cardiopulmonar tienen menor tasa de decanulación y mayor tiempo en el hospital.

Tracheostomy in the ICU: hope or delusion?

Introduction: Current literature suggests that tracheostomy has no impact on survival in unselected intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and that it actually transfers mortality from ICU to the ward. Methods: Data from 71 adult subjects who underwent tracheostomy as part of their ICU management and were subsequently transferred to the ward were obtained retrospectively. Results: During 2015, 104 subjects received tracheostomy. Thirty-two died during their initial ICU admission (30.4%) and were excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 73 individuals, 28 died (38.3%) in hospital. Most common diagnoses were sepsis (33.8%) and neurological emergencies (23.9%). Life-sustaining treatments were withheld or withdrawn in 25 decedents. Seven subjects died in later hospitalizations at our institution over the period recorded. Conclusions: Tracheostomy may represent a burden after ICU discharge, involving high resource use and low survival rate. Efforts should be made to recognize patients who might clearly benefit from this technique to avoid unwanted prolonged mechanical ventilation. (AU)

Predictores de éxito después de la decanulación en pacientes adultos críticamente enfermos: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Success predictors after decannulation in critically ill adult patients: a retrospective cohort study

Introducción: la traqueostomía es una práctica frecuente dentro de las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El proceso de decanulación y el tiempo utilizado en ella resultan de interés clínico, mientras que los factores asociados al proceso y la dificultad en dicho proceso han sido poco estudiados. Objetivos: describir características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la población en estudio y su evolución desde el momento del ingreso en la UCI hasta el alta hospitalaria. Informar la incidencia de fallo de decanulación y analizar los factores de riesgo independientes asociados a la imposibilidad de esta. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes internados en la UCI del Hospital Italiano de San Justo Agustín Rocca que requirieron traqueostomía durante su estadía. Utilizando la historia clínica informatizada se registraron variables epidemiológicas previas al ingreso en la UCI y datos evolutivos durante la internación. El período analizado fue desde el 5 de enero de 2016 hasta el 17 de diciembre de 2017. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para la evaluación de potenciales predictores. Resultados: se reclutaron 50 pacientes, y todos fueron incluidos en el presente análisis. La edad promedio fue de 66 años (desvío estándar [DE] ± 15,5) y el 66% fueron hombres. El 42% fue decanulado durante el seguimiento. La incidencia en el fallo de decanulación fue del 4,77% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 0,85-22,67). La mediana de tiempo hasta la decanulación desde la desvinculación de la asistencia ventilatoria fue de 17 días. En el análisis univariado hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en tipo de diagnóstico de ingreso en UCI y en el alta vivo hospitalaria al comparar pacientes decanulados versus no decanulados. En el análisis multivariado de regresión logística se halló el tipo de diagnóstico de ingreso en UCI como predictor independiente de imposibilidad de decanulación. Conclusiones: el motivo de ingreso clínico en UCI fue un factor predictor independiente asociado al fracaso de la decanulación y esto, posiblemente, está relacionado con la condición clínica y el estado general al ingreso, en comparación con los pacientes que ingresaron por causas quirúrgicas. No se hallaron comorbilidades ni antecedentes que se relacionen con el fracaso de la decanulación. (AU)

Introduction: the tracheostomy remains a very common surgical procedure done in the intensive care unit (ICU). The process of decannulation is of scientific interest with its associated factors not being sufficiently studied. Objectives: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the population and their relationship to effective decanulation. To report the cumulative incidence of decannulation failure and success. To analyze independent risk factors associated with decannulation failure. Materials and methods: the present was a retrospective cohort of adult patients in the ICU at Hospital Italiano de San Justo who required tracheostomy during their in-hospital stay. Epidemiological variables were recorded before ICU admission and during their hospital stay using data from the electronic medical record. The inclusion period was 2 years long. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to compare the proportion of patients who could be decannulated versus those who could not. Results: 50 patients were enrolled in the present study. Their mean age was 66 (±15.5) years and 66% of patients were male. 21 patients (42%) achieved to be decannulated. The cumulative incidence of decannulation failure was 4.77% (95% CI: 0.85-22.87). Median time from weaning to decannulation was 17 days. In univariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found in ICU admission diagnosis (p<0.001) and hospital discharge alive (p<0.001) when comparing decannulated versus not decannulated patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ICU admission diagnosis was found to be an independent predictor of decannulation failure (p<0.01). Conclusions: clinical ICU admission diagnosis was an independent predictor associated with decannulation failure. This could be related to differences in baseline morbidity and clinical condition of these patients compared with surgical patients. However, no individual morbidities or clinical conditions were found to be associated in decannulation failure. (AU)

Complicaciones de traqueostomía en pacientes pediátricos: revisión de la literatura / Complications of tracheostomy in pediatric patients: literature review

RESUMEN Las indicaciones de traqueostomía en niños han cambiado considerablemente en los últimos años, así como el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes y la morbimortalidad de este procedimiento. Las complicaciones de este procedimiento pueden ser clasificadas en intraoperatorias, inmediatas y tardías. La mortalidad global en pacientes pediátricos llevados a traqueostomía oscila entre el 13% y 19%. Sin embargo, menos del 5% es directamente atribuible a la cirugía. La presente revisión abarcará las complicaciones más frecuentes asociadas a traqueostomía pediátrica con recomendaciones en su prevención y manejo.

ABSTRACT Indications of tracheostomy in children have changed considerably in recent years, as well as the epidemiological profile of patients, and morbidity and mortality related to this procedure. Complications of pediatric tracheostomy can be classified into intraoperative, immediate and late. Overall mortality in pediatric patients with tracheostomy ranges from 13% to 19%. However, less than 5% is directly attributable to tracheostomy. This review will cover the most frequent complications associated with pediatric tracheostomy with recommendations for its prevention and management.

Tracheostomy in children: a ten-year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil / Traqueostomia em crianças: uma experiência de dez anos em um centro terciário do sul do Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Children may require tracheostomy due to many different health conditions. Over the last 40 years, indications of tracheostomy have endorsed substantial modifications. Objective: To evaluate pediatric patients warranted tracheostomy at our Hospital, in regard to their indications, associated comorbidities, complications and decannulation rates. Methods: Retrospective study concerning patients under 18 years of age undergoing tracheostomy in a tertiary health care center, from January 2006 to November 2015. Results: 123 children required a tracheostomy after ENT evaluation during the study period. A proportion of 63% was male, and 56% was under one year of age. Glossoptosis was the most common indication (30%), followed by subglottic stenosis (16%) and pharyngomalacia (11%). The mortality rate was 31%. By the end of this review, 35 children (28.4%) had been decannulated, and the fewer the number of comorbidities, the greater the decannulation rate (0.77 ± 0.84 vs. 1.7 ± 1.00 comorbidities; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Tracheostomy in children is a relatively frequent procedure at our hospital. The most common indications are glossoptosis and subglottic stenosis. A high mortality rate was found, potentially substantiated by the high number of critical care patients with chronic neurological conditions in this cohort. Our decannulation rate is slightly below other series, probably because of the greater amount of patients with comorbidities.

Resumo Introdução: As crianças podem necessitar de traqueostomia devido a diferentes problemas de saúde. Ao longo dos últimos 40 anos, as indicações de traqueostomia passaram por mudanças substanciais. Objetivo: Avaliar pacientes pediátricos com traqueostomia no nosso hospital, no que diz respeito às suas indicações, comorbidades associadas, complicações e taxas de decanulação. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com menos de 18 anos submetidos a traqueostomia em um centro de saúde terciário, de janeiro de 2006 a novembro de 2015. Resultados: 123 crianças precisaram de uma traqueostomia após avaliação otorrinolaringológica durante o período do estudo. Do total, 63% eram do sexo masculino e 56% menores de um ano. Glossoptose foi a indicação mais comum (30%), seguida por estenose subglótica (16%) e faringomalácia (11%). A taxa de mortalidade foi de 31%. Até o fim deste artigo, 35 crianças (28,4%) haviam sido decanuladas e quanto menor o número de comorbidades, maior foi a taxa de decanulação (0,77 ± 0,84 vs. 1,7 ± 1,00 comorbidades; p < 0,001). Conclusão: A traqueostomia em crianças é um procedimento relativamente frequente em nosso hospital. As indicações mais comuns são glossoptose e estenose subglótica. Uma alta taxa de mortalidade foi encontrada, potencialmente comprovada pelo elevado número de pacientes críticos com condições neurológicas crônicas nessa coorte. Nossa taxa de decanulação está ligeiramente abaixo de outras séries, provavelmente por causa da maior quantidade de pacientes com comorbidades.

Tracheostomy in childhood: review of the literature on complications and mortality over the last three decades / Traqueostomia na infância: revisão da literatura sobre complicações e mortalidade nas últimas três décadas

Abstract Introduction: Tracheostomy is a procedure with unique characteristics when used on pediatric patients due to the greater technical difficulty and higher morbidity and mortality rates relative to the procedure in adults. In recent decades, there have been significant changes in the medical care available to children, particularly for those who need intensive care. Surgical conditions have also improved, and there has been an advent of new equipment and medications. These advances have brought changes to both tracheostomy indications and tracheostomy complications. Objective: To perform a review of the articles published over the last three decades on the complications and mortality associated with tracheostomies in children. Methods: Articles were selected from the Cochrane, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, SciELO, National Library of Medicine (Medline Plus), and PubMed online databases. The articles selected had been published between January 1985 and December 2014, and the data was compared using the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 3797 articles were chosen, 47 of which were used as the basis for this review. When the three decades were evaluated as a whole, an increase in tracheostomies in male children under one year of age was found. The most common complications during the period analyzed in descending order of frequency were granuloma, infection, and obstruction of the cannula, accidental decannulation, and post-decannulation tracheocutaneous fistula. In the second and third decades of the review, granulomas represented the most common complication; in the first decade of the review, pneumothoraces were the most common. Mortality associated with tracheostomy ranged from 0% to 5.9%, while overall mortality ranged from 2.2% to 59%. In addition, the review included four studies on premature and/or very underweight infants who had undergone tracheostomies; the studies reported evidence of higher mortality in this age group to be largely associated with underlying diseases. Conclusion: Improved surgical techniques and intensive care, the creation of new medications, and vaccines have all redefined the main complications and the mortality rates of tracheostomy in children. It is a safe procedure that increases chances of survival in those who require the prolonged use of mechanical ventilation.

Resumo Introdução: A traqueostomia é um procedimento com características exclusivas em pacientes pediátricos devido à maior dificuldade técnica e às maiores taxas de morbidade e mortalidade em relação ao procedimento em adultos. Nas últimas décadas, houve mudanças significativas na assistência médica às crianças, especialmente para aquelas que necessitam de cuidados intensivos. As condições cirúrgicas também melhoraram e houve um advento de novos equipamentos e medicamentos. Esses avanços trouxeram mudanças tanto nas indicações de traqueostomia como nas suas complicações. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão dos artigos publicados nas últimas três décadas sobre as complicações e a mortalidade em crianças submetidas à traqueostomia. Método: Os artigos foram pesquisados nas bases de dados online da Cochrane, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), SciELO, National Library of Medicine (Medline Plus) e PubMed. Os artigos selecionados foram publicados entre janeiro de 1985 e dezembro de 2014 e os dados foram comparados com uso de teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados: Foram selecionados 3.797 artigos, 47 dos quais foram usados como base para esta revisão. Quando as três décadas foram avaliadas como um todo, encontrou-se um aumento das traqueostomias em crianças do sexo masculino com menos de um ano. As complicações mais comuns no período analisado, em ordem decrescente de frequência, foram granuloma, infecção, obstrução da cânula, decanulação acidental e fístula traqueocutânea pós-decanulação. Na segunda e terceira décadas de revisão, os granulomas representaram a complicação mais comum; na primeira década da revisão, pneumotórax foi a mais comum. A mortalidade associada à traqueostomia variou de 0% a 5,9%, enquanto que a mortalidade global variou de 2,2% a 59%. Além disso, a revisão incluiu quatro estudos sobre lactentes prematuros e/ou nascidos com muito baixo peso submetidos à traqueostomia; os estudos mostraram que a mortalidade nessa faixa etária é decorrente associada a doenças subjacentes. Conclusão: A melhoria das técnicas cirúrgicas e de cuidados intensivos e a criação de medicamentos e vacinas redefiniram as principais complicações e as taxas de mortalidade da traqueostomia em crianças.

Indicaciones, hallazgos broncoscópicos y mortalidad en pacientes pediátricos con traqueostomía en un hospital de México / Indications, bronchoscopic findings and mortality in pediatric patients with tracheostomy in a Mexican hospital

INTRODUCTION. Tracheostomy is an old surgical procedure, wich is currwently performed, in pediatric patients. Bronchoscopy is an effective procedure to follow these patients as it reveals data that can not be obtained with other methods. The aim of this study was to determine indications, bronchoscopic findings and mortality in patients with tracheostomy at the Hospital del Niño Morelense (HNM). in addiction, we sought to detail the role of bronchoscopy in patients follow-up. METHODS. Observational, descriptive and transversal study. We reviewed the records of the patients with tracheostomy during 5 years looking for bronchoscopic findings. RESULTS: The main indication for tracheostomy was prolonged ventilation (74.4 percent). The main bronchoscopic diagnoses were subglottic stenosis (20 percent), granulomas in the trachea (70 percent), and in bronchi abnormal secretions (70 percent) mortality was 32.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The main indication for tracheostomy is prolonged ventuilation. Mortality in children with tracheostomy depends mainly on the underlying pathology. Bronchospy is useful for monitoring the child with a tracheostomy

INTRODUCCIÓN. La traqueostomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico antiguo, que se realiza en pediatría cada vez con mayor frecuencia. La broncoscopía es un procedimiento efectivo para el seguimiento del paciente con traqueostomía ya que nos revela datos que no se pueden obtener con otros métodos. Se tuvo como objetios determinar indicaciones, hallazgos broncoscópicos y mortalidad en pacientes con traqueostomía, en el Hospital del Niño Morelense (HNM). MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se revisaron los expedientes de los pacientes a quienes se les realizó traqueostomía durante 5 años buscando hallazgos broncoscópicos. RESULTADOS. La principal indicación de traqueostomía fue la ventilación prolongada (74 por ciento). Los principales diagnósticos broncoscópicos fueron: estenosis subglótica (20 por ciento), granulomas en tráquea (70 por ciento) y en bronquios secreciones anormales (70 por ciento). La mortalidad fue de 32.5 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES. la principal indicación para traqueostomía fue la ventilación prolongada. la mortalidad en niños con traqueostomía depende principalmente de la patología subyacente. La broncoscopía es útil para el seguimiento del niño con traqueostomía

Traqueostoma persistente: cierre con colgajo invertido. reporte de tres casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura / Persistent tracheostoma: closure with inverted flap. report of three cases and literature review

El traqueostoma persistente es la complicación tardía más frecuente asociada al uso de traqueostomía. Se reportan tres casos de pacientes que se les realizó un cierre exitoso del traqueostoma persistente mediante técnica de cierre primario por planos con colgajo invertido. Las ventajas del método utilizado son que representa una alternativa simple, susceptible de realizar con anestesia local y de manera ambulatoria, con excelentes resultados estéticos, mejorando significativamente la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

Persistent tracheostoma is the most common late complication associated with the use of tracheostomy. We report three cases in which patients underwent a successful closure of persistent tracheostoma using primary closure in layers with inverted flap technique. The advantages of this method are that it represents a simple alternative and is able to be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, with excellent aesthetic results, significantly improving the quality of life of these patients.

Rotura de la cánula de traqueostomía: una causa rara de dificultad respiratoria en el nino traqueotomizado. Caso clínico / Fractured tracheostomy tube: a rare cause of respiratory distress in the tracheotomized child. Case report

La fractura y migración de la cánula de traqueostomía en el árbol traqueobronquial es una complicación poco frecuente de la traqueostomía. El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado son esenciales debido al riesgo potencial de obstrucción respiratoria fatal. El diagnóstico se debe sospechar en todo niño traqueotomizado que presenta dificultad respiratoria. Se confirma mediante radiografía de tórax y examen endoscópico. El tratamiento de elección es la remoción endoscópica de la cánula aspirada a través del estoma traqueal. Describimos la presentación clínica y el manejo de la rotura de cánula de traqueostomía que se presentó como cuerpo extrano en la vía aérea de un niño de 18 meses. También incluimos recomendaciones para el cuidado de la traqueostomía.

Fracture and migration of the tracheotomy tube in the tracheobronchial tree is an uncommon complication of tracheotomy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential because of the potential risk of fatal respiratory obstruction. Diagnosis should be suspected in all tracheotomized children undergoing breathing difficulties. It is confirmed by chest x-ray and endoscopic examination. The recommended treatment includes the endoscopic removal of the aspirated cannula through the tracheal stoma. We describe the clinical presentation and the management of a broken tracheotomy tube which was presented as a foreign body in the airway of a 18-month-old child. Recommendations for tracheostomy care are listed.