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Tracheostomy as a Comfort Measure in Children With Life-Limiting Conditions

Valerie Marshall1, Francesca Holt1, Suzanne Crowe1,2

  • 11 Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Journal of Palliative Care
|November 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric palliative care has advanced, improving quality of life for critically ill children. Tracheostomy can enhance life for these children but presents challenges for some families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Palliative care
  • Pediatric surgery

Background:

  • Palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions has expanded.
  • Understanding of comfort and quality of life in critical care has grown.
  • Debate exists regarding the appropriateness of certain invasive interventions.

Observation:

  • Invasive interventions like feeding gastrostomy, contracture release, and tracheostomy are debated.
  • Tracheostomy can enable measures to improve quality of life for children and families.
  • Tracheostomy also presents challenges that may limit its suitability for certain families.

Findings:

  • This paper discusses three pediatric cases where tracheostomy was performed.
  • The cases illustrate the potential benefits and challenges of tracheostomy in palliative care.
  • The decision to use tracheostomy involves careful consideration of individual circumstances.

Implications:

  • Tracheostomy can be a valuable tool in pediatric palliative care, enhancing quality of life.
  • Careful assessment of family suitability and potential challenges is crucial for successful tracheostomy implementation.
  • Further discussion and case studies are needed to refine best practices for tracheostomy in pediatric palliative care.

Keywords:
airwaycritical carepalliativepediatrics

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