Obesity is a risk factor for prolonged mechanical ventilation after tracheotomy

ObjectiveTo compare patient outcomes across body mass index (BMI) subgroups in the setting of recent tracheotomy. MethodsThis retrospective chart review included patients over 18 years old who underwent tracheotomy placement between February 2017 and March 2020. Patients were divided into five groups based on BMI: underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Data were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR). Statistical analyses were completed via Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression. If significant differences were found between groups, then subsequent pairwise comparisons of BMI were completed. ResultsThere were 391 patients included in the study. There were significant differences in length of stay (p = .015) and duration of mechanical ventilation (p < .001) among the groups. This was mainly driven by comparisons between the normal weight and obese groups, with patients of normal weight having shorter hospital stays and shorter ventilation durations. With each increasing BMI category from normal weight, a greater proportion of patients were ventilator-dependent at the time of discharge (p < .001). Interestingly, after adjustment for comorbidities, the rate of tracheotomy change was 0.86 times lower for every increase in BMI category (95% CI 0.77-0.96). There was a significant difference among the BMI groups with respect to time to tracheotomy collar placement according to both the log-rank test (p < .001) and the Cox model with adjustment for the presence of heart failure (p = .011). ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing tracheotomy, obese and morbidly obese patients have increased lengths of hospital stays. Additionally, they are dependent on ventilators for longer and are more likely to be ventilator-dependent at the time of discharge. It is important to understand how BMI impacts the hospital course for patients undergoing tracheotomy so that patients and their families can be better informed. Level of EvidenceLevel 3.