Spectrum of Disease in Hospitalized Newborns with Congenital Micrognathia: A Cohort of 3,236 Infants at North American Tertiary-Care Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of disease and burden of care in infants with congenital micrognathia from a multicenter cohort hospitalized at tertiary care centers. STUDY DESIGN: The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database was queried from 2010 through 2020 for infants diagnosed with micrognathia. Demographics, presence of genetic syndromes, and cleft status were summarized. Outcomes included death, length of hospitalization, neonatal surgery, and feeding and respiratory support at discharge. RESULTS: Analysis included 3,236 infants with congenital micrognathia. Cleft palate was identified in 1266 (39.1%). A genetic syndrome associated with micrognathia was diagnosed during the neonatal hospitalization in 256 (7.9%). Median (IQR) length of hospitalization was 35 (16, 63) days. Death during the hospitalization (n = 228, 6.8%) was associated with absence of cleft palate (4.4%, P < .001) and maternal Black race (11.6%, P < .001). During the neonatal hospitalization, 1289 (39.7%) underwent surgery to correct airway obstruction and 1059 (32.7%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. At the time of discharge, 1035 (40.3%) were exclusively feeding orally. There was significant variability between centers related to length of stay and presence of a feeding tube at discharge (P < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Infants hospitalized with congenital micrognathia have a significant burden of disease, commonly receive surgical intervention, and most often require tube feedings at hospital discharge. We identified disparities based on race and among centers. Development of evidence-based guidelines could improve neonatal care.

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Tongue-Based Airway Obstruction Without Micrognathia.

PURPOSE: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) effectively treats tongue-based airway obstruction (TBAO) in micrognathic patients with Robin Sequence. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis may also address TBAO in certain nonmicrognathic patients who have severe obstructive apnea, although there is no current literature to guide MDO use in these atypical patients. This study describes outcomes of MDO in a series of patients with TBAO without micrognathia. METHODS: Patients who underwent MDO for TBAO from 2013-20 were reviewed, and patients with micrognathia were excluded. Study subjects received baseline/follow up polysomnography. Polysomnography variables, including Obstructive Apnea Hypopnea Index, oxyhemoglobin saturation nadir (SpO2 nadir), percent sleep time end tidal CO2 greater than 50 mm Hg (%ETCO2 > 50), and respiratory-related arousals were compared before and after MDO. Demographics, syndromic/cleft palate status, airway anomalies, respiratory support, and feeding outcomes were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients underwent MDO during this study period; 5 were nonmicrognathic and included in analysis. Sixty percent (n = 3) of the cohort was syndromic: 1 patient each had Trisomy 9, Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome, and duplicated pituitary gland plus syndrome. Forty percent (n = 2) of patients had a cleft palate, 60% (n = 3) had laryngomalacia, and 40% had tracheomalacia. Median (range) age at MDO was 53 days (47-167 days), and median length of distraction was 16 mm (14-20 mm). After MDO, median Obstructive Apnea Hypopnea Index decreased from x̃ = 60.7/h (11.6-109.4) to x̃ = 5.3/h (3.5-19.3) (P = 0.034). SpO2 nadir increased (69% [58-74] to 85% [80-88], P = 0.011), and median %ETCO2 > 50 mm Hg decreased (5.8% [5.2-30.1] to 0.0% [0.0-1.3], P ≤ 0.043). Continuous positive airway pressure was used by all patients immediately after MDO, and at 6 months postoperatively, 1 patient remained on continuous positive airway pressure and 1 patient required supplemental oxygen. At last follow up, no patients had significant residual airway obstruction or required a tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis can effectively treat severe TBAO in some patients without micrognathia that would otherwise be candidates for tracheostomy. When used in select patients, MDO significantly improves obstructive sleep apnea and reduces need for ventilatory support, although feeding support is still needed in most patients at 6 months. Further study in a larger cohort will help identify appropriate candidates for MDO and characterize outcomes of unique patient populations.

Epidemiology and management of appendicular fractures occurring in neonatal intensive care patients.

AIM: To describe the epidemiology and management of appendicular fractures occurring in the neonatal ICU in a large series of patients treated a single, quaternary care neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: Patients <1 years old with appendicular fractures treated from 2012 to 2016 at a quaternary-level NICU were identified. Bivariate testing compared fractures, work-up and management based on designated mechanism (presumed birth-related vs unknown). In patients with unknown mechanism, factors with potential fracture association were analysed in a descriptive fashion. RESULTS: Eighty-five fractures (54 patients) were included. Mechanistic cohorts differed by birthweight (P < .001) and gestational age at birth (P < .001). Presumed birth-related fractures were more commonly upper extremity (P < .001), solitary (P = .001) and radiographically diagnosed in the acute state (<.001). The biochemical profile of the cohorts differed significantly. The prevalence of factors with potential fracture association was high in patients with unknown mechanism. Only one patient required surgery, while all others resolved with minimal orthopaedic intervention. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate these injuries rarely require operative intervention and that two distinct injury profiles appear to exist based on fracture mechanism. Steroid use, ventilation use, diuretic use, nutritional supplementation and recent bedside procedures were common among patients without known fracture mechanism. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective Cohort Study.

Operations and outcomes of a Hospital-wide Emergency Airway Response Team (HEART) in a quaternary academic children's hospital.

BACKGROUND: To improve pediatric airway management outside of the operating room, a Hospital-wide Emergency Airway Response Team (HEART) program composed of anesthesiology, otorhinolaryngology, and respiratory therapy clinicians was developed. AIMS: To report processes and outcomes of HEART activations in a quaternary academic children's hospital. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study between January 2017 and December 2019. Local airway emergency database was reviewed for HEART activations. Additional safety data was obtained from patients' electronic health records. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Adverse airway outcomes, either adverse tracheal intubation-associated events or oxygen desaturation (SpO2 <80%). We compared airway management by primary teams before HEART arrival and by HEART after arrival. RESULTS: Of 96 HEART activations, 36 were from neonatal intensive care unit, 35 from pediatric and cardiac intensive care units, 14 from emergency department, and 11 from inpatient wards. 56 (62%) children had airway anomalies and 41/96 (43%) were invasively ventilated. Median HEART arrival time was 5 min (interquartile range, 3-5). 56/96 (58%) required insertion of an advanced airway (supra/extra-glottic airway, endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube). HEART succeeded in establishing a definitive airway in 53/56 (94%). Adverse airway outcomes were more common before (56/96, 58%) versus after HEART arrival (28/96, 29%; absolute risk difference 29%; 95% confidence interval 16, 41%; p < .001). Oxygen desaturation occurred more frequently before (46/96, 48%) versus after HEART arrival (24/96, 25%; absolute risk difference 23%; 95% confidence interval 11, 35%; p = .02). Cardiac arrests were more common before (9/96, 9%) versus after HEART arrival (3/96, 3%). Multiple (≥3) intubation attempts were more frequent before (14/42, 33%) versus after HEART arrival (9/46, 20%; absolute risk difference -14%; 95% confidence interval -32, 5%; p = .15). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary emergency airway response team plays an important role in pediatric airway management outside of the operating room. Adverse airway outcomes were more frequent before compared to after HEART arrival.

Management of neonatal difficult airway emergencies in the delivery room.

Neonatal airway emergencies in the delivery room are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Etiologies vary, but often predispose the neonate to life threatening airway obstruction. With the recent expansion of fetal medicine programs, pediatric anesthesiologists are increasingly being asked to care for these patients. In this review, we discuss common etiologies of difficult airway at delivery, management tools and techniques, and surgical approaches.

Evaluating Teamwork in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Survey of Providers and Parents.

BACKGROUND: A unified vision of team mission, psychologically safe practice environment, effective communication, and respect among team members are key characteristics of an effective interdisciplinary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team. PURPOSE: A quality improvement team in a quaternary NICU surveyed parents, physicians, and nurses on perceptions of teamwork to identify opportunities for improvement. DESIGN/METHODS: Parents and healthcare staff (n = 113) completed an anonymous survey from May to July of 2014 to assess team roles and membership, team qualities, shared mission, psychological safety, hierarchy, communications, and conflict awareness. An expert panel assigned questions into one or more characteristics of team intelligence. RESULTS: Physicians, nurses, and parents perceive their roles and the composition of the healthcare team differently. Most providers reported a shared mission and having a cooperative spirit as their teams' best attributes. While most nurses chose safety as most important, the majority of doctors chose treatment plan. Parents consider tenderness toward their infant, providing medical care and answers to their questions important. All expressed varying concerns about psychological safety, conflict resolution, and miscommunications. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This survey identifies strengths and gaps of teamwork in our NICU and provides insight on necessary changes that need to be made to improve collaboration among the interdisciplinary care team including parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: This quality improvement report identifies aspects of team care delivery in NICUs that require further study. The concept of team intelligence and its impact on team effectiveness invites in-depth exploration.

Complex Surgical Infants Benefit From Postdischarge Telemedicine Visits.

BACKGROUND: Transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home is challenging for caregivers of complex surgical infants. A prospective, observational cohort pilot study using telemedicine to improve transition was implemented in a quaternary level IV NICU. PURPOSE: (1) To assess, identify, and resolve patient care concerns in the immediate postdischarge period. (2) To improve caregiver knowledge and care practices. DESIGN METHODS: Caregivers of medically complex infants participated in telemedicine visits with neonatal providers within 1 week of discharge. Providers reviewed infant health, equipment use, and outpatient follow-up. Video was used to visualize the infant, home environment, and care practices. Caregivers completed a postvisit satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Ninety-three visits were performed from May 2015 to March 2017. Seventy-six percent of visits were postsurgery patients. Seventy-eight postdischarge issues were identified: medication administration (13%), respiratory (19%), feeding (33%), and surgical site (35%). Fifty percent of caregivers reported that telemedicine visits prevented an additional call or visit to a clinician; 12% prompted an earlier visit (n = 93). Caregiver satisfaction rating was high. Median estimation of total mileage saved by respondents was 1755 miles. CONCLUSIONS: Postdischarge telemedicine visits with complex surgical NICU graduates identify clinical issues, provide caregivers with support, and save travel time. Advanced practice nurses are instrumental in patient recruitment, with patient visits, and in providing postdischarge continuity of care. Barriers to implementation were identified. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: A randomized controlled study is warranted to measure the value of telemedicine visits for specific patient cohorts.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of neonatal tongue-based airway obstruction.

Early postnatal tracheostomy for airway compromise is associated with high morbidity and cost. In certain patients with tongue-base airway obstruction (TBAO), mandibular distraction osteogenesis may be preferred. We present a comprehensive analysis of surgical, airway, and cephalometric outcomes in a large series of neonatal patients with TBAO. A retrospective review was performed of patients with laryngoscopically proven TBAO who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis before 1 year of age at our institution. Demographic, operative, postoperative, polysomnographic, and radiographic data were analyzed with the appropriate statistical test. Between 2010 and 2013, 28 patients younger than 1 year underwent mandibular distraction for TBAO. Distraction was performed for documented TBAO and failure to thrive at an average age of 58 days (range, 11-312) days with distractor removal after an average of 90 days. Preoperative polysomnograms were obtained on 20 patients with an average apnea-hypopnea index of 39.3 ± 22.0/h; the apnea-hypopnea index on postoperative polysomnograms obtained after distraction completion was significantly reduced in all 14 patients in whom it was measured (mean, 3.0 ± 1.5/h; P < 0.0001). Twenty patients transitioned to oral feeding, and cephalometric and airway diameters were improved (P < 0.0001). Distraction was successful in all but 4 patients including all patients with GILLS scores of 2 or less and 66% of patients with GILLS scores of 3 or greater. Neonatal mandibular distraction is a powerful tool to treat critical obstructive apnea in patients with TBAO. Appropriate patient selection remains a challenge; however, mandibular distraction represents a compelling treatment modality.

The use of early lung biopsy in detection of fatal pulmonary disease in the neonate.

We report a case of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misaligned pulmonary veins and review the literature to highlight the importance of lung biopsy, which can affect the decision to use invasive and likely ineffective therapy such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Survival and decannulation across indications for infant tracheostomy: a twelve-year single-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Describe survival and decannulation following infant tracheostomy based on indication for tracheostomy placement. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of infants who received tracheostomy at a single pediatric hospital over a twelve-year period. Primary and secondary indications were categorized into pulmonary, anatomic, cardiac, neurologic/musculoskeletal, and others. RESULTS: A total of 378 infants underwent tracheostomy; 323 had sufficient data to be included in analyses of post-discharge outcomes. Overall mortality was 26.3%; post-operative and post-discharge mortality differed across primary indications (P = 0.03 and P = 0.005). Among survivors, 69.3% decannulated at a median age of 3.0 years (IQR 2.3, 4.5 years). Decannulation among survivors varied across primary indications (P = 0.002), ranging from 17% to 75%. In multivariable analysis, presence of a neurologic or musculoskeletal indication for tracheostomy was a significant negative predictor of future decannulation (aOR 0.10 [95% CI 0.02-0.44], P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Early childhood outcomes vary across indications for infant tracheostomy.

Respiratory indices during sleep in healthy infants: A prospective longitudinal study and meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Healthy infants may have a greater apnea hypopnea index (AHI) than older children during the newborn period, but the trajectory of these sleep-related events beyond the first month of life is poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the longitudinal changes in respiratory indices during sleep in healthy infants during the first six months of life. METHODS: Single-center prospective cohort study. Thirty healthy infants underwent overnight in-lab polysomnography at one and five months of age and findings were compared between assessments. Systematic review of studies evaluating infant polysomnography and meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: At one month of age, total AHI, obstructive AHI, and central AHI model-adjusted means (95% confidence interval) were 16.9 events/hour (12.2, 21.5), 10.2 events/hour (7.4, 13.1), and 6.6 events/hour (4.2, 9.0), respectively. 16.8% of events were obstructive apneas and 36.1% central apneas. By five months of age, there were significant reductions in each index to 4.1 events/hour (3.2, 5.0), 1.9 events/hour (1.4, 2.4), and 2.2 events/hour (1.6, 2.9), respectively (p < 0.001 for each), and a lower proportion of events were obstructive apneas (8.6%, p = 0.007) and a greater proportion central apneas (52.3%, p = 0.002). Meta-analysis found high AHI in infants with significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Central AHI and obstructive AHI are greater in healthy newborns than older children. There is a significant spontaneous reduction in events and change in type of events in the first six months of life in this low-risk population. These findings may serve as a reference for clinicians evaluating for obstructive sleep apnea in infants.

Risk factor analysis and outcomes of airway management in antenatally diagnosed cervical masses.

PURPOSE: To investigate antenatally-determined imaging characteristics associated with invasive airway management at birth in patients with cervical masses, as well as to describe postnatal management and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 52 patients with antenatally diagnosed neck masses was performed using single-center data from January 2008 to January 2019. Antenatal imaging, method of delivery, management, and outcomes data were abstracted from the medical record and analyzed. RESULTS: Antenatal diagnosis of neck masses in this cohort consisted of 41 lymphatic malformations (78.8%), 6 teratomas (11.5%), 3 hemangiomas (5.8%), 1 hemangioendothelioma (1.9%), and 1 giant foregut duplication cyst (1.9%). Mean gestational age at time of diagnostic imaging was 29 weeks 3 days (range: 19w4d - 37w). Overall, 22 patients (42.3%) required invasive airway management at birth, specifically 18 patients (34.6%) required endotracheal intubation and 4 (7.7%) required tracheostomy. 15 patients (28.8%) underwent ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) for the purposes of securing an airway. Polyhydramnios, tracheal deviation and compression, and anterior mass location on antenatal imaging were significantly associated with incidence of invasive airway intervention at birth, EXIT procedure, and tracheostomy during the neonatal hospitalization (p < 0.025; Fisher's exact test). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated statistically significant association between increasing antenatally-estimated mass volume and incidence of invasive airway management at birth (p = 0.02). Post-natal cervical mass management involved surgical excision (32.7%), sclerotherapy (50%), and adjuvant therapy with rapamycin (17.3%). Demise in the neonatal period occurred in 4 (7.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: This series documents the largest single-center experience of airway management in antenatally diagnosed cervical masses. Fetal imaging characteristics may help inform the appropriate method of delivery, airway management strategy at birth, and prenatal counseling.

Airway emergency management in a pediatric hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Children's hospitals frequently care for infants with various life-threatening airway anomalies. Management of these infants can be challenging given unique airway anatomy and potential malformations. Airway emergency management must be immediate and precise, often demanding specialized equipment and/or expertise. We developed a Neonatal-Infant Emergency Airway Program to improve medical responses, communication, equipment usage and outcomes for all infants requiring emergent airway interventions in our neonatal and infant intensive care unit (NICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients admitted to our quaternary NICU from 2008 to 2019 were included in this study. Our program consisted of a multidisciplinary airway response team, pager system, and emergency equipment cart. Respiratory therapists present at each emergency event recorded specialist response times, equipment utilization, and outcomes. A multidisciplinary oversite committee reviewed each incident. RESULTS: Since 2008, there were 159 airway emergency events in our NICU (~12 per year). Mean specialist response times decreased from 5.9 ± 4.9 min (2008-2012, mean ± SD) to 4.3 ± 2.2 min (2016-2019, p = 0.12), and the number of incidents with response times >5 min decreased from 28.8 ± 17.8% (2008-2012) to 9.3 ± 11.4% (2016-2019, p = 0.04 by linear regression). As our program became more standardized, we noted better equipment availability and subspecialist communication. Few emergency situations (n = 9, 6%) required operating room management. There were 3 patient deaths (2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our airway safety program, including readily available specialists and equipment, facilitated effective resolution of airway emergencies in our NICU and multidisciplinary involvement enabled rapid and effective changes in response to COVID-19 regulations. A similar program could be implemented in other centers.

Airway emergency management in a pediatric hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: Children's hospitals frequently care for infants with various life-threatening airway anomalies. Management of these infants can be challenging given unique airway anatomy and potential malformations. Airway emergency management must be immediate and precise, often demanding specialized equipment and/or expertise. We developed a Neonatal-Infant Airway Safety Program to improve medical responses, communication, equipment usage and outcomes for infants requiring emergent airway interventions. Patients and Methods: All patients admitted to our quaternary neonatal and infant intensive care unit (NICU) from 2008-2019 were included in this study. Our program consisted of a multidisciplinary airway response team, pager system, and emergency equipment cart. Respiratory therapists present at each emergency event recorded specialist response times, equipment utilization, and outcomes. A multidisciplinary oversite committee reviewed each incident. Results: Since 2008, there were 159 airway emergency events in our NICU (~12 per year). Mean specialist response times decreased from 5.9±4.9 min (2008-2012, mean±SD) to 4.3±2.2 min (2016-2019, p=0.12), and the number of incidents with response times >5 min decreased from 28.8±17.8% (2008-2012) to 9.3±11.4% (2016-2019, p=0.04 by linear regression). As our program became more standardized, we noted better equipment availability and subspecialist communication. Few emergency situations (n=9, 6%) required operating room management. There were 3 patient deaths (2%). Conclusions: Our airway safety program, including readily available specialists and equipment, facilitated effective resolution of airway emergencies in our NICU and multidisciplinary involvement enabled rapid and effective changes in response to COVID-19 regulations. A similar program could be implemented in other centers.

Drivers of referrals to a children's hospital neonatal-infant intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the outreach program of a regional NICU for referral satisfaction, drivers and barriers, preferences for service methods, outreach communication, and education. STUDY DESIGN: To point out prevalence assessment of preferences, referral reasons, satisfaction and general feedback by regional neonatologists implemented by electronic survey using either multiple-choice or Likert scale questions. Survey questions were derived via consensus of the outreach program team. RESULTS: A 100% response rate was achieved from 136 neonatologists. Over 90% of the respondents indicated either increased or unchanged referral rates and answered "maybe" or "definitely satisfied" with the outreach program. Insurance, bed availability, excellence in subspecialty support, and communication from neonatologists were important referral factors. Research reputation was not a significant driver. Case conferences at referral hospitals and program newsletters were the preferred education methods. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced subspecialty services, communication with referring neonatologists, and access to the referral system are important drivers of satisfaction for referrals to our quaternary NICU.

Airway disorders of the fetus and neonate: An overview.

Differences between neonatal, pediatric and adult airway anatomy, structure and function are important to understand. Size, surface area, proportion, resistance and compliance are all very different between age groups and infants are certainly not small adults. Knowledge of these airway differences is essential in rapid correction of an emergency situation. Unanticipated airway emergencies are the most serious of all and may be classified into profiles such as the unanticipated emergency in the non-intubated patient, the unanticipated emergency in the intubated patient, and patients with tracheostomy. A neonatal airway emergency can be effectively managed by a strategy for anticipation, identification, preparation, mobilization, and execution. Furthermore, neonatal airways may be classified by severity in being considered either difficult or critical. These neonatal specific clinical challenges have recently substantiated the need for a distinct neonatal airway algorithm. This strategy is strengthened by regular education of the team and frequent simulation of airway emergencies. Following a predetermined pathway for activating an airway emergency alert and having all necessary equipment readily available are essential components of a well-defined strategy. Finally, knowing the pediatric otolaryngologist's perspective of what defines these airway disorders and current management is key to working collaboratively.

Evolution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants with Cleft Palate and Micrognathia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Children with craniofacial anomalies are a heterogeneous group at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the prevalence and structural predictors of OSA in this population are unknown. We hypothesized that infants with micrognathia would have more significant OSA than those with isolated cleft palate ± cleft lip (ICP), and those with ICP would have more significant OSA than controls. We postulated that OSA severity would correlate with reduced mandibular size, neurodevelopmental scores, and growth. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. 15 infants with ICP, 19 with micrognathia, and 9 controls were recruited for polysomnograms, neurodevelopmental testing, cephalometrics (ICP and micrognathia groups) at baseline and a follow-up at 6 mo. RESULTS: Baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) [median (range)] of the micrognathia group [20.1 events/h (0.8, 54.7)] was greater than ICP [3.2 (0.3, 30.7)] or controls [3.1 (0.5, 23.3)] (p = 0.001). Polysomnographic findings were similar between ICP and controls. Controls had a greater AHI than previously reported in the literature. Cephalometric measures of both midface hypoplasia and micrognathia correlated with OSA severity. Neurodevelopment was similar among groups. OSA improved with growth in participants with ICP and postoperatively in infants with micrognathia. CONCLUSIONS: Micrognathia, but not ICP, was associated with more significant OSA compared to controls. Both midface and mandibular hypoplasia contribute to OSA in these populations. OSA improved after surgical correction in most infants with micrognathia, and improved without intervention before palate repair in infants with ICP.

A five year retrospective study of short term respiratory support outcomes for infants who received tracheostomy before one year of age.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe respiratory support requirements at the time of hospital discharge for infants who undergo tracheostomy, and to determine whether certain indications for tracheostomy are significantly associated with ventilator or oxygen dependence at the time of discharge. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified 150 patients who underwent tracheostomy before 1 year of age at a single center from 2007 to 2012 and were discharged alive. Patients were divided into groups based on primary indication for tracheostomy: chronic lung disease (CLD); cardiac; airway anomalies (e.g., tracheomalacia, subglottic stenosis); anatomic anomalies of head, neck and chest; neuro/muscular; mixed group (>1 primary indication). Chi-squared tests were used to compare respiratory support requirements at time of discharge, as well as need for supplemental oxygen. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients included in the study, three were discharged on room air alone. Of those 147 who did require some form of support at discharge, significant differences were found between groups when comparing CPAP to ventilator support. For example, of the patients with CLD, 82% were discharged on ventilator support whereas of those with a primary airway indication nearly 54% were discharged on CPAP. Significant differences were also found among groups when comparing patients discharged on room air vs. supplemental oxygen. Patients with CLD were more likely to be discharged on supplemental oxygen (p=0.001) whereas of the patients with anatomic indication 77% required no supplemental oxygen at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: Respiratory support needs at the time of discharge for neonates who underwent tracheostomy varied significantly depending on the initial indication for tracheostomy. Information about respiratory requirements of infants who undergo tracheostomy can help clinicians counsel families and anticipate post-discharge needs.

Effect of tracheostomy timing in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if timing of tracheostomy placement in premature infants affects the rates of decannulation and length of time required for mechanical ventilatory support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive case series with chart review of premature patients born at a gestational age of 36 weeks or less at a tertiary-care, academic children's hospital who underwent tracheostomy placement between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010 for failure to extubate and chronic lung disease of prematurity. Last follow-up data reviewed was January 1, 2013. RESULTS: 43 patients were identified. 32 patients (74.4%) were able to be weaned from mechanical ventilation by the end of follow-up period, and the average time that elapsed between tracheostomy placement and weaning from mechanical ventilator support was 17.9 months. 19 patients (44.2%) were able to be decannulated, and of those patients, the amount of time between tracheostomy placement and decannulation was 27.9 months. No statistical significance was found in the relationship between tracheostomy timing placement and ability to wean from mechanical ventilator support or decannulate. For those patients able to wean from mechanical ventilator support and get decannulated, no difference in the amount of time and tracheostomy timing was found. Earlier premature patients tended to undergo tracheostomy later in life. CONCLUSIONS: Decisions regarding tracheostomy placement should be individualized. We were unable to detect a relationship between tracheostomy timing and the ability or duration for premature infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity to wean from mechanical ventilator support or successfully decannulate.