Predicting the Need for Early Tracheostomy: A Multifactorial Analysis of 992 Intubated Trauma Patients

Abstract

Discrete risk factors predict the need for tracheostomy for trauma patients. We recommend that patients with >or=90% risk undergo early tracheostomy and that it is considered in the >or=80% risk group to potentially decreased morbidity, increased patient comfort, and optimize resource utilization.