Abstract
Changes in the indications for tracheostomy in children have led to the progressive involvement of the paediatric pulmonologist in the care of these patients. The aim of this study was to review the current profile of tracheostomized children in Spain
We undertook a longitudinal, multicentre study over 2 years (2008-2009) of all patients aged between 1 day and 18 years who had a tracheostomy.
The study, involving 18 Spanish hospitals, included 249 patients, of whom 150 (60.2%) were younger than 1 year of age. The main indications for the procedure were prolonged ventilation (n=156; 62.6%), acquired subglottic stenosis (n=34; 13.6%), congenital or acquired cranio-facial anomalies (n=25; 10%) and congenital airway anomalies (n=24; 9.6%). The most frequent underlying disorders were neurological diseases (n=126; 50.6%) and respiratory diseases (n=98; 39.3%). Over the two-year study period, 92 (36.9%) children required ventilatory support, and decannulation was achieved in 59 (23.7%). Complications arose in 117 patients (46.9%). Mortality attributed to the underlying condition was 12.5% and that related directly with the tracheostomy, 3.2%.
Respiratory complexity of tracheostomized children necessitates prolonged, multidisciplinary follow-up, which can often extend to adulthood.
- ERS
