Tracheotomy in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Is it necessary?
OBJECTIVE
Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who develop respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation have mortality rates of 85%. Tracheotomies are performed in this patient population for prolonged intubation. However, to date, objective data on tracheotomy in patients with AIDS are lacking. Tracheotomy in ventilator-dependent patients with AIDS presents risks to patients and exposes surgeons, nurses, and operating room personnel to human immunodeficiency virus-infected blood.


METHODS
Given these considerations, we retrospectively reviewed our experience with tracheotomy in 10 intubated and ventilator-dependent patients with AIDS.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows a mortality rate of 100%. We identify predictive factors and a prognosis that may aid in the treatment of these patients.
Thomas
G R
GR
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Myers
E M
EM
Nunez
A
A
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002423:Cause of Death; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000150:complications; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010343:Patient Admission; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis; D014140:Tracheotomy; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis
D010100:Oxygen