BACKGROUND Knowledge of the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and its associated risk factors is imperative for the development and use of more effective preventive measures. METHODOLOGY We performed a prospective study over a period of 15 months to determine the incidence and the risk factors for development of VAP in critically ill adult patients admitted in different inten...

Hair dye poisoning has been emerging as one of the important causes of intentional deliberate self harm. To study the epidemiology of patients who consumed Super Vasmol (a commonly used commercial hair dye), profile of patients referred to the ENT department, to find the effectiveness of supportive therapy and to compare between the tracheostomy and the non tracheostomy group, a retrospective s...

OBJECTIVE To determine risk factors associated with tracheostomy placement after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent outcomes among those who did and did not receive a tracheostomy. METHODS This retrospective cohort study compared adult trauma patients with severe TBI (n = 583) who did and did not receive tracheostomy. A multivariable logistic regression model assessed the asso...

The respiratory therapist plays an integral role in tracheostomy tube decannulation. Removal of the tracheostomy tube should be considered only if the original upper-airway obstruction is resolved, if airway secretions are controlled, and if mechanical ventilation is no longer needed. Predictors of success include ability to produce a vigorous cough and the absence of aspiration. Tracheostomy d...

BACKGROUND Tracheostomy is a common procedure for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, the timing of tracheostomy is quite variable. This study was performed to find out the factors determining the timing of tracheostomy in medical intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS Patients who were underwent tracheostomy between January 2008 and December 2009 in the medical ICU of S...

Study objective: The percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy can be performed with a low compli¬ cation rate if several important technical details are followed. This study delineates our experience and recommends changes in the operative technique. Design and setting: Patients requiring tracheostomy were selected for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy based on previously reported criteria. ...

Tetanus is a treatable and preventable disease that remains prevalent in developing countries. The mortality rate can reach up to 30 %. The early mortality is due to acute respiratory failure secondary to muscle spasms. Given that the tracheal tube stimulates muscle spasms, there is worldwide consensus to perform early tracheostomy on tetanus patients who need orotracheal intubation. Bronchosco...