Assessment of Patients Discharged From the Intensive Care Unit with Tracheostomy: A Retrospective Analysis of Single-Center Data

Abstract

Objective:The aim of our study was to evaluate the reasons of mortality and morbidity of the patients who were discharged home from the intensive care unit (ICU) with tracheostomy within a 6-month follow-up period. Method: This retrospective study was completed with 35 patients. The demographic characteristics, indications for hospitalization, comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) at discharge, history of re-hospitalization after discharge whether there was home mechanical ventilator support (HMVS), problems experienced at home, form of nutrition, and causes of death were assessed. Results: Advanced age, patients requiring care after resuscitation, presence of comorbidity, requirement of HMVS and feeding with PEG were found to be factors related to mortality (p<0.05). Sex, tracheostomy opening time, GCS at discharge and re-hospitalization were not correlated with mortality. The 74.3% of the patients were discharged with HMVS. Mortality rates were higher in patients with airway and ventilator problems and comorbidities (p<0.05). The sixmonth mortality rate was 72.2% and it was found that deaths were often caused by respiratory failure. Conclusion:It has been concluded that the mortality rate was higher in patients who were discharged with tracheostomy, those with advanced age, and comorbid diseases, patients hospitalized for post-resuscitation care, required HMVS and fed with PEG. It was concluded that it is among the factors related to mortality in airway-related complications.

The correlation between death anxiety, loneliness and hope levels in patients treated in the cardiac intensive care unit

“…Staying in the ICU is a highly traumatic and terrifying experience for patients. 26 Studies have indicated that patients with acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction have a high level of death anxiety. 7,14 Therefore, it is expected in the study that the patients have a strong death anxiety.…”

“…Moreover, the rapid change in their condition, uncertainty and threat of death in the ICU, as well as sounds of the monitoring systems, ventilators, fluid and/or drug infusion pumps in this unit also negatively influence patients. Staying in the ICU is a highly traumatic and terrifying experience for patients 26 . Studies have indicated that patients with acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction have a high level of death anxiety 7,14 .…”