Severe adverse events in children with tracheostomy and home mechanical ventilation - comparison of pediatric home care and a specialized pediatric nursing care facility

ABSTRACT Background Advances in medical care and ventilator technologies increase the number of children with tracheostomy and home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Data on severe adverse events in home care and in specialized nursing care facilities are limited. Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of incidence and type of severe adverse events in children with tracheostomy and HMV in home care compared to a specialized nursing care facility over a 7-year period. Results 163.9 patient-years in 70 children (home care: 110.7 patient-years, 24 patients; nursing care facility: 53.2 patient-years, 46 patients) were analyzed. In 34 (48.6%) patients tracheostomy was initiated at the age of Conclusion Pediatric home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy is rarely associated with emergencies or adverse events in home care as well as in a specialized nursing care facility setting.