Summary of trials examining early versus delayed tracheostomy
| Study | Year | Study type and duration of MV, d | Outcome, early v. delayed mean (SD) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mortality, % | MV duration, d | ICU LOS, d | Pneumonia, % | |||
| Bouderka et al. (25) | 2004 | RCT 5 v. none | ND | 14.5 (7.3) v. 17.5 (10.6) | ND | ND |
| Rodriguez et al. (26) | 1990 | RCT ≤ 7 v. ≥ 8 | ND | 12 (1) v. 32 (3) | 16 (1) v. 37 (4) | 78 v. 96 |
| Rumbak et al. (27) | 2004 | RCT 2 v. 14–16 | 32 v. 62 | 7.6 (2.0) v. 17.4 (5.3) | 4.8 (1.4) v. 16.2 (3.8) | 5 v. 25 |
| Saffle et al. (28) | 2002 | RCT 4 v. 14.8 | ND | ND | ND | ND |
| Dunham and LaMonica (29) | 1984 | RCT 3–4 v. 14 | NR | NR | NR | ND |
| Arabi et al. (30) | 2004 | Prospective cohort ≤ 7 v. > 7 | ND | 9.6 (1.2) v. 18.7 (1.3) | 10.9 (1.2) v. 21.0 (1.3) | NR |
ICU = intensive care unit; LOS = length of stay; MV = mechanical ventilation; ND = no difference; NR = not reported; RCT = randomized controlled trial; SD = standard deviation.