Timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To compare important outcomes between early tracheostomy (ET) and late tracheostomy (LT) or prolonged intubation (PI) for critically ill patients receiving long-term ventilation during their treatment.

Method

We performed computerized searches for relevant articles on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane register of controlled trials (up to July 2013). We contacted international experts and manufacturers. We included in the study randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ET (performed within 10 days after initiation of laryngeal intubation) and LT (after 10 days of laryngeal intubation) or PI in critically ill adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Two investigators evaluated the articles; divergent opinions were resolved by consensus.

Resul

SUBMITTER: Huang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3965497 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature