Tracheostomy-dependent Children Research Articles

Healthcare service use and medical outcomes of tracheostomy-dependent children: a nationwide study

BackgroundDespite the rising trend of tracheostomies in children, there is a lack of comprehensive resources for families to navigate the challenges of living with a tracheostomy, emphasising the need for...

Maternal infant bonding in tracheostomy dependent infants: A cross sectional study

To report the current state of maternal infant bonding (MIB) in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants and identify demographic factors associated with MIB. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Mothers of tracheostomy-dependent children below the age of two, seen during the 24 months prior to June 2021, were recruited to participate. The exclusion criteria consisted of clinical instability of the infant at the time of recruitment or lack of custody. The Maternal Infant Bonding Questionnaire (MIBQ) was administered to biological mothers. The possible range of scores was 0-24 with higher scores indicating poorer bonding. Mean MIBQ scores, as well as elevated MIBQ scores (greater than 0), were evaluated with respect to patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Of 46 eligible participants, the response rate was 6 7% (n=31). The median maternal age was 30 (IQR:8.5), and the median infant age was 15 months (IQR: 7.5). The mean MIBQ score in the tracheostomy-dependent infant population was 1.38 (SD: 1.96), and 45% had a score greater than 0. The mean MIBQ of our cohort was not statistically different from the control group of healthy infants. Elevated MIBQ scores signaling poorer bonding were seen in caregivers of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and older caregivers. Preliminary evidence suggests that caregivers of infants with mechanical ventilation and neurologic comorbidities may have improved bonding compared to other tracheostomized infants. MIBQ scores were not associated with other sociodemographic or clinical characteristics, such as gestational age at birth, previous history of psychiatric illness, admission status or sociodemographic characteristics. We observe a mean MIBQ score of 1.38 in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants. Efforts to improve bonding may aid infant development and maternal affect.

Pathogenic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage cultures and pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction outcomes.

The primary objective was to determine if treating pathogenic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures improves outcomes after pediatric double stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (dsLTR). Case series with chart review. Tertiary children's hospital. All children (<18 years) obtaining flexible bronchoscopy with BAL cultures before dsLTR between 2016 and 2022 were included. Cultures identified abnormal bacterial growth or normal respiratory flora. Thirty-day postoperative surgical site or lung infections were captured and tracheostomy decannulation rates were obtained for children with at least 12 months of follow-up. Twenty-seven children obtained presurgical BAL cultures before dsLTR. Median age at reconstruction was 2.9 years (interquartile range: 2.3-3.5) and 89% (24/27) had high grade subglottic stenosis. Positive cultures were obtained in 56% of children (N = 15) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%, 6/15) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (33%, 5/15) the most frequent organisms. All children with positive cultures were treated based on culture and sensitivity data. Postoperative infections developed in 22% (6/27) of children with equal distribution of surgical site and respiratory infections among children with pathogenic bacteria and normal respiratory flora. At 12 months after surgery, the decannulation rate was no different between those treated and not treated for a presurgical positive BAL culture (47% vs. 58%, p = 0.70). Pathogenic bacteria are common in BAL cultures from tracheostomy-dependent children before dsLTR. Treatment keeps respiratory infections and decannulation rates similar to children with negative cultures, suggesting continued benefit of flexible bronchoscopy and BAL in preparation for these surgeries.

Psychosocial Measures and Outcomes Among Caregivers of Children With Tracheostomies: A Systematic Review.

Children with tracheostomies have complex medical issues that require long-term technology dependence and continuous medical care at home. Parents of tracheostomy-dependent children often assume the majority of their child's home care leading to a shift in family dynamics and a decrease in caregiver quality of life. This systematic review sought to identify instruments to measure caregiver psychosocial outcomes after their child's tracheostomy and report on the findings. A systematic review was performed using Medline, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Studies that evaluated psychosocial outcomes in caregivers of tracheostomy-dependent children were included. We screened a total of 1286 nonduplicate records to include a total of 12 studies assessing the psychosocial outcomes of parents of tracheostomy-dependent children. Fourteen instruments were identified. Caregivers reported lower quality of life when compared to other chronic caregiver groups. They experienced high degrees of stress, struggled to cope individually and as a family unit, and experienced decision regret and conflict. Findings from this review suggest a significant impact on caregiver psychosocial well-being, but few quantitative studies investigated this dynamic with measures validated in this caregiver population. This review demonstrates the need for longitudinal studies using validated tools to assess the long-term impacts and outcomes of caregivers of the tracheostomy-dependent child.

Caregiver quality of life after pediatric tracheostomy.

To determine the impact of a child with a tracheostomy on caregiver quality of life. A repeated cross-sectional analysis included families with tracheostomy-dependent children between 2019 and 2021. Caregivers were surveyed using the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module with assessments at tracheostomy placement and during ambulatory office visits. Two-hundred and fifty-five surveys were performed with 66 at tracheostomy placement (26%) and 189 at follow-up visits (74%). Compared to families with healthy children, total scores at placement (77.2 vs. 87.6, P<.001) and follow-up visits (78.9 vs. 87.6, P<.001) were significantly lower among pediatric tracheostomy families. Caregivers were likely to report significant improvement in emotional functioning (6.2 points; 95% CI: 0.5-12, P=.03) and worry (9 points, 95% CI: 2.1-15.9, P=.01) over time. Demographic variables demonstrated no confounding or interactive effects. The presence of a tracheostomy is associated with lower caregiver quality of life scores in the short- and long-term compared to caregivers of healthy children. Providers should be sensitive to these challenges and provide appropriate support for families of tracheostomy-dependent children.

Utility of telemedicine in tracheostomy-dependent children.

Telemedicine can improve access to pediatric otolaryngology care by decreasing travel time and cost, and lowering the risk of viral transmission during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to identify the clinical role and outcomes of telemedicine for tracheostomy-dependent children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrospective chart review of 42 tracheostomy-dependent pediatric patients who utilized telemedicine between October 2013 and April 2020 (pre-COVID-19), and 111 patients who utilized telemedicine between May 2020 and July 2021 (during COVID-19) at a tertiary free-standing children's hospital outpatient clinic. The majority of pre-COVID-19 telecommunication solely addressed tracheostomy stomal concerns as compared with during COVID-19 (99% vs. 3%, p < .001), while telecommunication during COVID-19 was mainly used for routine follow-up as compared with pre-COVID-19 (99% vs. 0%, p < .001). Telemedicine visits during COVID-19 were significantly less likely to result in the need for in-person office visits as compared with those pre-COVID-19 (4% vs. 22%; p < .001). There was no significant difference in urgent emergency department (ED) evaluation following telemedicine pre- and during COVID-19 (16% vs. 11%). The most common reasons for ED presentation both pre- and during COVID-19 following telemedicine visit included respiratory distress, dislodged tracheostomy tube, and tracheostomy bleeding. The clinical role of telemedicine has evolved from problem-based evaluation to routine follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although telemedicine can decrease the need for in-person office evaluation of routine tracheostomy concerns, respiratory complications and tracheostomy bleeding still require urgent in-person ED evaluation. Level 4.

Caregiver Perceptions of a Tracheostomy “Go-Bag” Standardization Initiative

This project aimed to standardize and improve the emergency tracheostomy "go-bag" provided by our institution and to increase "go-bag" compliance, supply organization, and emergency preparedness and confidence among caregivers of tracheostomy-dependent children. We provided caregivers with a new trifold "go-bag," containing four zippered pockets. Diagram-based supply checklists were placed in each "go-bag" to assist with supply organization and supply checks performed by the clinical team. Caregiver questionnaires were administered before and after "go-bag" distribution to assess the impact of the practice change. Between July 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021, 43% (n=30) of tracheostomy-dependent children followed by the Department of Otolaryngology received a new "go-bag." Overall, "go-bag" compliance, supply organization, and caregiver confidence related to providing care at home and intervening in an emergency improved from baseline. Caregivers reported overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the new "go-bag" design and utility. These findings support the use of standardized, user-friendly tracheostomy "go-bags" provided by health care institutions and the performance of routine "go-bag" supply checks to ensure patient safety and caregiver preparedness.

Mechanical ventilation and middle ear effusions among tracheostomy-dependent children

ObjectiveTo determine the cumulative 24-month incidence of middle ear effusion (MEE) among tracheostomy-dependent children requiring ventilatory support. MethodsA prospective longitudinal cohort study included all children under 2 years of age with a tracheostomy placed at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2015 and 2020 that obtained at least one tympanometry exam. The development of MEE, defined as a flat tympanogram with normal external canal volume, and mechanical ventilation requirement at examination were recorded. ResultsNinety-four children with a mean age at tracheostomy of 5.4 months (SD: 3.7) were included. During a mean follow-up of 18.3 months (SD: 14.6) (median: 14.1 months, interquartile range: 6.6–27.8), 192 tympanometry examinations were obtained with 59% (114/192) while requiring mechanical ventilation. Within 24 months after tracheostomy, 56.5% (95% CI: 48.9–64.4%) of children developed at least one MEE. Among those on mechanical ventilation, 74.0% (95% CI: 65.6–82.5%) developed MEE compared to 31.2% (95% CI: 21.4–44.0%) not on mechanical ventilation (HR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.46–6.05, P = .003). A persistent MEE on two consecutive exams was not statistically more common for children on a ventilator (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.01–6.95, P = .70). When controlling for age at exam, craniofacial syndrome, and newborn hearing test results on logistic regression, ventilator-dependence significantly predicted the presence of MEE (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.18–4.68, P = .02). ConclusionChildren with a tracheostomy were more likely to develop MEE when requiring mechanical ventilation. Clinicians should recognize this risk factor and appropriately assess for development of MEE to mitigate adverse speech and language development outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Impact of Language and Ethnicity on Pediatric Tracheostomy Outcomes.

To compare outcomes after tracheostomy between children from Spanish- and English-speaking families. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary care children's hospital. All children <18 years of age who had a tracheostomy placed between 2014 and 2020 were included. Comorbidities and postsurgical outcomes were compared between (1) children whose families preferred speaking Spanish or identified as Hispanic/Latino and (2) children from English-language or non-Hispanic families. A total of 339 children met inclusion, with 11% (37/339) from families identifying Spanish as their primary language and 33% (112/339) identifying as Hispanic. Spanish-speaking families were more likely to have tracheostomy-dependent children with cardiac conditions (65% vs 42%, P = .008) and high complexity (72% vs 49%, P = .007). Outcomes were similar regardless of language preference, with 45% (153/339) still tracheostomy dependent, 28% (94/339) decannulated, and 6.8% (23/339) deceased at a median follow-up of 1.77 years (interquartile range, 0.65-3.43). Severe neurocognitive disabilities were similar between Spanish- and English-language families (P > .05). Spanish language was not associated with times to decannulation or death in univariate or multiple regression models. A sensitivity analysis of self-identified Hispanic or Latino patients did not show significant differences for time to decannulation, death, or neurocognitive disability rates (P > .05). Spanish language and Hispanic ethnicity appear to have minimal impact on pediatric tracheostomy outcomes.

Enteral antipseudomonal fluoroquinolones for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in children with pre-existing tracheostomy.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly isolated organism in tracheostomy-dependent children with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT). Enteral treatment with an antipseudomonal fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin is sometimes employed, but supportive data are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of enteral antipseudomonal fluoroquinolones for VAT in children with pre-existing tracheostomy. This was a retrospective review of electronic medical records for tracheostomy-dependent children <18 years of age who received an enteral antipseduomonal fluoroquinolone for the treatment of presumed VAT from January 2013 through January 2020 at an academic children's hospital. Seventy-six treatment courses representing 60 children (median age: 9.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 3.6-13.1 years) received an antipseudomonal fluoroquinolone for VAT treatment during the study period. Median treatment duration was 8 (range: 7-10) days. Most tracheostomy cultures (n = 70/82, 85%) were polymicrobial, with P. aeruginosa most commonly isolated (n = 67/224 organisms, 30%). Sixty-five courses (86%) were successfully treated with an enteral fluoroquinolone. Antibiotics were changed or extended for two (3%) children. Antibiotics were prescribed for 10 (13%) courses and eight (11%) required hospitalization for a respiratory infection within 30 days of fluoroquinolone completion. Six (8%) courses received a seizure rescue medication, seven (9%) experienced emesis, and one (1%) had elevated transaminases. Tendonitis and tendon rupture were not observed. The results of this study suggest enteral antipseudomonal fluoroquinolones may be effective for the treatment of VAT in children with tracheostomy. Further study is warranted to clarify the role of these agents in pediatric VAT.

Mortality and Outcomes of Pediatric Tracheostomy Dependent Patients.

Objective: To describe clinical factors associated with mortality and causes of death in tracheostomy-dependent (TD) children.Methods: A retrospective study of patients with a new or established tracheostomy requiring hospitalization at a large tertiary children's hospital between 2009 and 2015 was conducted. Patient groups were developed based on indication for tracheostomy: pulmonary, anatomic/airway obstruction, and neurologic causes. The outcome measures were overall mortality rate, mortality risk factors, and causes of death.Results: A total of 187 patients were identified as TD with complete data available for 164 patients. Primary indications for tracheostomy included pulmonary (40%), anatomic/airway obstruction (36%), and neurologic (24%). The median age at tracheostomy and duration of follow up were 6.6 months (IQR 3.5–19.5 months) and 23.8 months (IQR 9.9–46.7 months), respectively. Overall, 45 (27%) patients died during the study period and the median time to death following tracheostomy was 9.8 months (IQR 6.1–29.7 months). Overall survival at 1- and 5-years following tracheostomy was 83% (95% CI: 76–88%) and 68% (95% CI: 57–76%), respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality based on indication for tracheostomy (p = 0.35), however pulmonary indication for tracheostomy was associated with a shorter time to death (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.04–3.4; p = 0.04). Among the co-morbid medical conditions, children with seizure disorder had higher mortality (p = 0.04).Conclusion: In this study, TD children had a high mortality rate with no significant difference in mortality based on indication for tracheostomy. Pulmonary indication for tracheostomy was associated with a shorter time to death and neurologic indication was associated with lower decannulation rates.

Exploring caregiver burden and financial toxicity in caregivers of tracheostomy-dependent children

ObjectiveMeasure the prevalence of and factors associated with financial toxicity (FT) and caregiver burden in families of tracheostomy-dependent children. FT is defined as the objective and subjective patient-level impact of the costs of medical care and has been associated with lower quality of life, decreased compliance with treatment, and increased mortality. MethodsA medical record review was performed on all children with a tracheostomy tube placed from 2009 to 2018 at a tertiary children's hospital to identify and include children younger than 18 years old, not deceased, and not decannulated at the time of review. Eligible children's caregivers were contacted to fill out a 36-item questionnaire and three validated instruments: The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) and the Financial Distress Questionnaire (FDQ), both addressed to the parent/primary caregiver, and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers – short version (BSFC-s). ResultsOf the 140 eligible tracheostomy patients identified, 45 caregivers (32.1%) returned the survey. The average COST score was 18 ± 1.7 with 73.3% of caregivers reporting high toxicity based on FDQ, and 75.6% having severe-to-very severe caregiver burden. Significant increase in FT was seen in households where an adult had to leave a paid position (p = 0.047) or work less (p = 0.002) because of their child's condition; or needed to omit some of the child's medical services or medications due to cost-prohibitive reasons (p<0.001). Financial toxicity was associated with caregiver burden (by BSFC-s) [r = −596; beta coefficient = −0.95, t(43) = -4.87, p<0.001] and financial distress (by FDQ; p<0.001). ConclusionCaregivers of children with medically complex, tracheostomy-dependent conditions suffer from FT and caregiver burden. As a result, harmful financial coping mechanisms such as missing necessary care components or forgoing prescribed treatments, may be adopted for cost-prohibitive reasons.

Decrease in Respiratory Related Hospitalizations in Tracheostomy-Dependent Children Who Tolerate Passy-Muir Valve Use.

To assess the effect of Passy-Muir® Valve (PMV) tolerance on respiratory illness and respiratory related hospital admissions in tracheostomy-dependent children. Retrospective cohort study of 262 patients who underwent tracheostomy placement between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary free-standing children's hospital. Outcome measures studied were number of reported upper respiratory infections and respiratory related hospitalizations per year (RRH/year). About 135 (51.5%) tracheostomy-dependent children underwent PMV trials, and 106 (78.5%) of these children were able to tolerate PMV for at least 1 hour daily. When comparing children who tolerated PMV versus those who did not, the latter group had significantly higher rates of subglottic stenosis but no significant differences in RRH/year or average age. In those children who tolerated PMV and achieved routine use of PMV > 1 hour/day, an average of 1.14 RRH/year occurred prior to PMV tolerance, as compared with 0.57 RRH/year after PMV tolerance (P = .003). Multivariate analysis shows that in patients <2 years, there is a significant decrease in RRH/year after PMV tolerance is attained (1.53 vs 0.76, P = .001), independent of indication for tracheostomy. In tracheostomy-dependent children who tolerate PMV use routinely >1 hour/day there are decreased rates of respiratory related hospitalizations (RRH). Children <2 years of age have the most impact of RRH, with rates that are significantly lower with routine use of the PMV.

"When in Doubt, Change It out": A Case-Based Simulation for Pediatric Residents Caring for Hospitalized Tracheostomy-Dependent Children.

IntroductionCaring for technology-dependent children, such as those with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence, can be new and frightening for pediatric residents. Education about emergencies in this patient population is important because these children are at risk for in-hospital complications. Safe care of the tracheostomy-dependent child requires the ability to recognize common complications, such as tracheostomy tube obstruction or decannulation, and intervene appropriately by suctioning and/or replacing the tracheostomy tube. This simulation-based curriculum teaches learners to identify and practice the management of these tracheostomy tube complications through low-fidelity simulation exercises.MethodsWe created a simulation session with three cases reflecting in-hospital scenarios encountered by resident physicians caring for tracheostomy-dependent children in the inpatient setting. The simulation scenario, simulation environment preparation, materials list, and debriefing outline are provided for the instructor for each simulation case. Validity evidence for the assessment tool was obtained by calculating the interrater reliability of two different raters. Resident feedback was obtained through anonymous surveys.ResultsTwelve pediatric senior residents completed the experience. It received overwhelmingly positive feedback on learner evaluation forms, with 90% finding the experience very or extremely helpful. The intraclass correlation coefficient of interrater reliability for our assessment tool was 0.93.DiscussionThe simulation was well received by residents. The interrater reliability was acceptable. This low-fidelity simulation exercise can easily be executed with minimal materials or instructor training. High-yield, just-in-time training with postcase debriefing is key to the simulation's success.

Novel use of lip balm under tracheostomy ties to prevent skin irritation in the pediatric patient

ObjectivesTo study the effectiveness of lip balm in reducing skin irritation and preventing pressure induced injury in tracheostomy dependent children. MethodsThe skin of tracheostomy patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic over a 12 month period from 2018 to 2019 was assessed and categorized as hyperemic blanchable (abnormal pre-pressure injury), hyperemic non-blanchable, partial thickness skin loss, or full thickness skin loss. Caregivers were instructed to apply lip balm to the skin under soft ties three times per day and with tracheostomy tie changes. Patients were followed prospectively by a tracheostomy care nurse. Results24 patients enrolled and reported daily adherence with lip balm use. Median age was 7.3 years (interquartile range, IQR, = 1.3–12.4) with 10 females and 14 males. The majority of patients (n = 20) were identified as having hyperemic blanchable skin. 96% (23/24) of caregivers reported a subjective benefit. 79.2% (95% CI: 57.8%–92.9%) of patients with hyperemic skin (n = 24) demonstrated complete resolution with continued application, and was found to be significant: all patients had skin hyperemia before application, while 20.8% (5/24) continued to have hyperemia after application (P < .001). Infants and ventilation dependent patients demonstrated recovery rates of 88.9% and 75% respectively. Median duration of follow-up was 6.3 months (IQR = 3.4–11.3). There were no documented allergic reactions, accidental decannulations, or skin deterioration in the cohort. ConclusionsLip balm appears to be a low cost, hydrophobic, and friction-reducing agent that is potentially useful in preventing at risk pressure injuries in tracheostomy dependent pediatric patients.

Feeding Disorders in Children With Tracheostomy Tubes.

We aimed to describe feeding dysfunction in a group of children with tracheostomy. Single-center, retrospective chart review of all children with a tracheostomy who were evaluated by our interdisciplinary feeding program. Demographic and diagnostic data, nutrition variables, acceptance of food consistencies, as well as 2 validated psychometric instruments for assessment of feeding dysfunction were analyzed. Thirteen tracheostomy-dependent children (5/13; 38% ventilator dependent) were evaluated at a median age of 51 months (interquartile range [IQR], 26-69). The majority of children (8/13; 62%) underwent evaluation after decannulation. Four children (30%) had a history of a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Eleven children (85%) used a speaking valve prior to decannulation, only 2 of whom started before initial discharge with a tracheostomy. Children with a tracheostomy had low-median weight- and height-for-age z-scores (-1.27 and -1.73, respectively), with normal-median body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score (0.175). Children received 75% of feedings via tube feeding (IQR, 13%-97%). Compared with other children with feeding disorders, children with tracheostomy had delays in initial acceptance of most food textures and general diet, and the Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire showed significantly worse overall scores (P = .01), and the About Your Child's Eating survey showed significantly higher parental perception of resistance to eating (P = .0001). Requirement of enteral nutrition, poor oral-feeding skills, chronic malnutrition, and worse mealtime behaviors are associated with tracheostomy. A history of ventilator dependence, cuffed tracheostomy, and inpatient speaking valve-use were infrequently associated with interdisciplinary feeding-program evaluation.

The Trach Safe Initiative: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Mortality among Pediatric Tracheostomy Patients.

To describe the Trach Safe Initiative and assess its impact on unanticipated tracheostomy-related mortality in outpatient tracheostomy-dependent children (TDC). An interdisciplinary team including parents and providers designed the initiative with quality improvement methods. Three practice changes were prioritized: (1) surveillance airway endoscopy prior to hospital discharge from tracheostomy placement, (2) education for community-based nurses on TDC-focused emergency airway management, and (3) routine assessment of airway events for TDC in clinic. The primary outcome was annual unanticipated mortality after hospital discharge from tracheostomy placement before and after the initiative. In the 5 years before and after the initiative, 131 children and 155 children underwent tracheostomy placement, respectively. At the end of the study period, the institution sustained Trach Safe practices: (1) surveillance bronchoscopies increased from 104 to 429 bronchoscopies, (2) the course trained 209 community-based nurses, and (3) the survey was used in 488 home ventilator clinic visits to identify near-miss airway events. Prior to the initiative, 9 deaths were unanticipated. After Trach Safe implementation, 1 death was unanticipated. Control chart analysis demonstrates significant special-cause variation in reduced unanticipated mortality. We describe a system shift in reduced unanticipated mortality for TDC through 3 major practice changes of the Trach Safe Initiative. Death in a child with a tracheostomy tube at home may represent modifiable tracheostomy-related airway events. Using Trach Safe practices, we address multiple facets to improve safety of TDC out of the hospital.

Nurse Practitioner-Led Telehealth to Improve Outpatient Pediatric Tracheostomy Management in South Texas.

Pediatric tracheostomy patients are a medically complex population with increased incidence of emergency room use, hospital readmission, tracheostomy-associated complications, and caregiver anxiety, especially within 30 days after discharge. The specific aims of this quality improvement initiative include using a nurse-led, interprofessional care team to improve access to care with creation and implementation of a hospital-based discharge protocol and adoption of telehealth follow-up care for newly placed tracheostomy tubes. Telehealth was accessible for patients living more than 150 miles from the primary clinical site. Caregiver knowledge, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and competence in tracheostomy skills increased after protocol implementation. Outcomes included no tracheostomy-associated complications, emergency room visits, or unnecessary hospitalizations. Evaluation of this initiative showed promise telehealth was effective in supporting caregivers and refining proficiency caring for tracheostomy-dependent children. This facility's experience with nurse-led telehealth found it to be an accessible, affordable, and valuable health-care service .

Surveillance endoscopy after tracheostomy placement in children: Findings and interventions.

The Seattle Children's Hospital implemented the Trach Safe Initiative to improve airway safety in tracheostomy-dependent children (TDC). A key tenet of this initiative is surveillance endoscopy. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of abnormal airway changes in TDC, identify risk factors for these changes, and describe the frequency of airway interventions. Retrospective case series. This is a review of children 0 to 21 years old who underwent tracheostomy and surveillance endoscopy from February 1, 2014 to January 1, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence of abnormal airway changes and interventions following tracheostomy. Pearson χ2 tests and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for the development of abnormal changes. There were 127 children identified. The median time from tracheostomy to initial surveillance endoscopy was 1.6 months (interquartile range = 1.3-2.4 months). At initial endoscopy, 86.6% of patients had at least one abnormal airway finding. The most common findings were subglottic edema/stenosis (57.3%), glottic edema (37.3%), and suprastomal granulation tissue (31.8%). Prematurity and a history of failed extubations were significantly associated with abnormal findings on endoscopy (odds ratio [OR] = 7.2, P = .01 and OR = 4.1, P = .03, respectively). Of those with abnormal findings, 32.7% underwent an intervention to improve airway patency and safety. The most common interventions performed were suprastomal granuloma excision (44.4%), steroid injection (22.2%), and balloon dilation of the glottis or subglottis (19.4%). The prevalence of early abnormal airway changes in TDC is high, particularly in young children with a history of prematurity and failed extubation. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1327-1332, 2020.

Корреляционный анализ факторов, влияющих на качество жизни детей – хронических трахеоканюляров

The number of tracheostomy-dependent children has been continuously growing. The analysis of life quality makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the health of such children with respect to their psychological and social disadaptation. The objective of the study is to assess the life quality of tracheostomy-dependent children, to identify the most important factors affecting the life quality, to conduct the correlation analysis of these factors with life quality of tracheostomy-dependent children. Method: a prospective study of life quality of tracheostomy-dependent children and decannulated children examined and treated at Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2018. The life quality was assessed using the PedsQL4.0 questionnaire. Besides, the parents filled out a socio-demographic card, including the data of patients’ life history and diseases as well as the environmental factors. In 2018, 48 tracheostomy-dependent children were observed in Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University. The study reveals that comorbidity has the most negative effect on the children’s life quality, therefore, the treatment of such patients calls for multidisciplinary approach. Besides, older children with tracheostomy tolerate the necessity to use the tracheostomy worse. Therefore, the therapeutic approach should be aimed at earlier decannulation of such children.