Tracheotomy in the first year of life: Outcomes in term infants, the Vanderbilt experience

OBJECTIVE: fit an era emphasizing critical care of preterm infants, we characterize the indications and outcomes of tracheotomies performed in the first year of life in term infants compared to preterm infants. METHODS: Retrospective study Of 127 tracheotomies performed in the first year of life at a tertiary-care childrens hospital between 1988-2004. RESULTS: Mean gestational ages of the term and preterm groups were 38.97 and 29.71 weeks, respectively (P < 0.001). Indications for tracheotomy were upper airway abnormalities in 53% for the terin gul.lp. The number of subsequent airway procedures required was 1.39 in the term group, achieving decannulation in 36.3%, with a 20.5% mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Compared to preterm infants, the term decannulation rate was favorable, as chronic disease Was Uncommon. However, non-tracheotomy-related mortalities remained high. SIGNIFICANCE: Trachcotomies are often performed for relief of upper airway obstruction, and congenital and acquired comorbidities not related to tracheotomy are associated with adverse outcomes in term infants. EBM rating: C-4 (c) 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.