Complications of neonatal tracheostomy: a 5-year review.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Study the complication rate of tracheostomy in premature infants and identify contributing factors. Setting Two university-based tertiary care children's hospitals.

METHODS:

The charts of 55 neonates who underwent tracheostomy between January 1997 and December 2002 were reviewed. Group 1 included 32 infants born weighing < 1000 grams. Group 2 included 23 infants born weighing > or = 1000 grams.

RESULTS:

Group 1 infants had a higher incidence of comorbidities related to prematurity. Thirty-eight infants underwent tracheostomy due to ventilatory dependence, 13 for airway obstruction, and 4 for neurologic debilitation. Sixteen infants (29%) had a complication related to tracheostomy. There was no tracheostomy-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Tracheostomy in the preterm infant has the potential for significant morbidity. Meticulous technique, surgeon experience and specialized care may play a role in reducing the complication rate. Complications are usually minor and do not require additional surgical intervention.

EBM RATING:

C.

• Authors: Kevin D Pereira, Allison R MacGregor, Ron B Mitchell
• Journal: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg) Vol. 131 Issue 6 Pg. 810-3 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0194-5998 [Print] England
• PMID: 15577773 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Comorbidity
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Infant, Premature, Diseases (epidemiology, surgery)
• Intensive Care, Neonatal
• Postoperative Complications
• Respiratory Insufficiency (epidemiology, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Tracheostomy (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome