Pediatric tracheotomy. A five-year comparison study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Critical care medicine

Background:

• Tracheotomy is a common procedure in pediatric critical care.
• Patient weight is a potential factor influencing tracheotomy outcomes.
• Limited data exists comparing outcomes based on pre-procedural weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare indications, complications, and follow-up results of pediatric tracheotomies.
• To evaluate the impact of patient weight on tracheotomy outcomes.
• To assess short- and long-term results in relation to weight stratification.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of pediatric tracheotomies (1972-1976).
• Patients (age ≤ 14 years) classified into two groups based on weight: Group 1 (>2,500g) and Group 2 (<2,500g).
• Analysis of indications, complications, and follow-up data for 61 patients.

Main Results:

• Group 2 (weighing <2,500g) demonstrated significantly higher morbidity.
• Increased complication rates were observed in the lower weight group (Group 2).
• A higher death rate was noted in pediatric patients weighing less than 2,500g at tracheotomy.

Conclusions:

• Lower body weight is associated with increased risks following pediatric tracheotomy.
• Weight stratification is crucial for risk assessment in pediatric tracheotomy.
• Further research may explore interventions to mitigate risks in low-weight infants.