Expert-Guided Early Tracheostomy Pathway

Page 1/27 Effectiveness of an Expert-Guided Early Tracheostomy Pathway for Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults in Jordan

The optimal timing of tracheostomy insertion remains uncertain. We hypothesized that a clinical pathway including expert-informed risk assessment regarding predicted duration of mechanical (MV) would enhance the effectiveness of early percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) for patients with anticipated prolonged durations of MV, as reflected by duration of ventilation, complications, and patient-centered outcomes.

three-year prospective observational study (2018-2020) at a tertiary care level 1 trauma center (King Hussein Medical Center) in Amman Jordan and 4 affiliated subspecialty hospitals. The study sequentially enrolled all adult patients (>18yo) with critical illness receiving MV in an intensive care unit for 48 hours or longer. Institutional ethical committee clearance for the study was secured.

Patients judged to be at moderate to high risk of prolonged ventilation(26, 27) were those who had chronic respiratory failure, advanced Effectiveness of an Expert-Guided Early Tracheostomy Pathway Page 6/27 age, thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy, persistent vasopressor shock, requirement for renal replacement therapy, an admission trauma diagnosis amongst other criteria, were included. In the absence of these criteria, a consensus for low risk of prolonged MV was reached. Early PDT, within the first 7 days from intubation, was recommended for patients with a moderate/high risk of prolonged MV (Early Group). Continued MV by ETT was recommend for low-risk patients with the potential for delayed PDT in the event of delayed weaning and liberation (Late Group).

Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing continued MV for 48 or more hours for whom continuation of life-prolonging therapy was indicated Exclusion Criteria: Patients at imminent risk of death were included