Outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients who underwent bedside percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy in intermediate care units – A single center study

Background: The number of chronic critical illness (CCI) patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is increasing worldwide, mandating health professionals to discuss interventions while considering disease trajectory. The aim of this study was to analyze the survival of CCI patients who underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) within intermediate care units. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of all patients who underwent PDT in our intermediate care units from 2009 to 2015. Based on their survival statuses at different time points, patients were categorized into groups of survival at one week, one month, and one year following the procedure. Results: This study included 254 patients. The mean age was 77.7 (±11.8) years. Out of the 254 patients included, 213 patients (84.2%) were defined as nursing care dependent. In-hospital mortality was 38.2% (97 patients). Seven patients (2.7%) were discharged to their homes. Overall survival rates at one week, one month, and one year following PDT were 88.6%, 66.1%, and 29.5%, respectively. Upon multivariate analyses, higher creatinine levels and resuscitation prior to the procedure were associated with increased mortality rates at one week and one month following tracheostomy. Higher creatinine and low albumin levels were associated with increased mortality at one year following tracheostomy. Conclusion: The prognosis of CCI patients in intermediate care units is generally poor. Identified risk factors for complications and survival should be presented to patients and their surrogates when discussing courses of action and future treatments.