Study of tracheal cuff pressure variation in adult tracheostomized patients in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy tube cuff pressure requires to be maintained within the acceptable range in ICU patients to prevent complications like tracheal stenosis, aspiration pneumonia etc. However tracheal cuff pressure monitoring is still not being strictly followed in many medical centres. Aim: To evaluate variation in Tracheal Cuff pressure over 24 hours once inflated to recommended pressure in adult tracheotomised patients. Setting and Design: Prospective observational study. Methods and Material: This study was carried out on 82 tracheostomised adult patients in ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Tracheal cuff pressure was monitored by Manometer every six hourly over 24 hours for 4 days. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t- test. Result: Tracheal cuff pressure showed significant variation in tracheal cuff pressure within 24 hours period of daily monitoring with all cases showing fall in cuff pressure below the acceptable range. Conclusion: Regular Manometric monitoring of tracheal cuff pressure is recommended in Tracheotomised patients in ICU setting to avoid associated complications.

Keywords

• tracheostomy
• tracheal cuff pressure
• manometer