Assessing the role of tracheostomy placement in bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary hypertension.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication of preterm birth and is associated with abnormal vasculature that contributes to pulmonary hypertension (PH). We evaluated how a tracheostomy may alter PH in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review over 15-years identified 17 patients with BPD and PH who underwent tracheostomy. Each patient had four echocardiograms re-reviewed and scored for tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (TR), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right atrial cross-sectional area (RACA), and left ventricle eccentricity indices (EI). RESULT: There was improvement in TR, TAPSE, RACA, and left ventricle EI indicating reduction in PH after tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: PH improves over time though role of tracheostomy in PH needs to be further defined. The EI may be a sensitive marker to follow over time in these patients.