Incidence of airway complications in patients using endotracheal tubes with continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions.

Background: Continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions is effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, but it involves a risk of mucosal damage. The main objective of our study was to determine the incidence of airway complications related to continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions.

Methods: In consecutive adult patients with continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions, we prospectively recorded clinical airway complications during the period after extubation.

Ward mortality in patients discharged from the ICU with tracheostomy may depend on patient's vulnerability.

Objective: To determine the effect of discharge from the ICU with a tracheostomy tube on ward mortality and its relation to patient vulnerability.

Design And Setting: Retrospective single-center cohort study.

Methods: Database (2003-2006) review of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) > 24 h and discharged from the ICU with or without tracheostomy tube in place and followed up to hospital discharge or death.