Upsizing tracheostomies: Impacts on respiratory support needs in a vulnerable population

Objective(s): Proper tracheostomy tube position is crucial in pediatric patients to reduce decannulation and ensure adequate ventilation. Little research exists on optimal tracheostomy length and its impact on ventilation. This study aimed to examine changes in FiO2, with a secondary focus on PEEP, albuterol and bagging associated with increasing tracheostomy length.

This is an IRB-approved single-institution case series retrospective review of patients under 2 who received a tracheostomy upsize between 2018 and 2022. Data collected includes demographics, comorbidities, tracheostomy details, and FiO2 prior and following upsize. Interrupted time-series segmented linear models assessed differences in FiO2 and PEEP. Albuterol administration and bagging events were included as binary measures. Albuterol use is summarized using percentages and bagging visualized on a bar chart.

A total of 118 patients underwent tracheostomy, and 71 (52 % male, 48 % female) underwent at least one upsizing at a median of 1.55 months post initial placement. These 71 patients received the first upsize, 32 patients received a second upsize, and 11 patients received a third upsize. FiO2 levels were not found to be different after upsizes 1 and 2 (beta:0.43(95 %CI: 1.7,2.6); beta:0.85(95 %CI: 1.9,3.6)). FiO2 was higher after upsize 3 (beta:5.2(95 %CI: 1.7,8.6)). Analysis of PEEP, albuterol, and bagging was limited due inconsistent documentation.

This study provides insight into the changing respiratory parameters, mainly FiO2, associated with tracheostomy upsize. The higher FiO2 requirements after the third upsize indicates this subgroup of patients have greater respiratory support needs and further increasing the tracheostomy length may be of limited benefit.