Analysis of a Cohort of Decannulated Patients in a Critical Care Center for Chronically Ill Patients in Argentina

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of a cohort of decannulated patients admitted to a Neuro-rehabilitation and Critical Care Center and their condition upon discharge. The secondary objective was to analyze the existence of possible risk factors associated with referral of patients to a high complexity center. Materials and Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study in the Clínica de Neurorehabilitación Santa Catalina, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Results: 87 patients were decannulated. 29 patients were admitted with IMVA and could be completely weaned. The median of TQT days was 35 days (IQR 22-68). 21% of decannulated patients were still hospitalized at the institution upon the end of the study. 53% were discharged home alive, whereas 23% had to be referred to a high complexity center. Two decannulated patients died while they were hospitalized. Some variables independently associated with referral to a high complexity center were found, the presence of a neurological history before ICU admission (OR [odds ratio] = 4.22, 95% CI [confidence interval] (1.03-10.5), p = 0.02) and ICU admission for respiratory causes (OR = 4.44, 95% CI (1.22-16.1), p = 0.02). Conclusion: Most decannulated patients were discharged home alive. Neurological history and respiratory disease as reasons for ICU admission could be risk factors to be referred to a high complexity center.