High Rate of Medical Emergency Team Activation in Children with Tracheostomy.

Authors :: McKelvie BL
Lobos AT
Chan J
Momoli F
McNally JD
Source :: Journal of pediatric intensive care [J Pediatr Intensive Care] 2020 Mar; Vol. 9 (1), pp. 27-33. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Sep 02.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Pediatric in-patients with tracheostomy (PIT) are at high risk for clinical deterioration. Medical emergency teams (MET) have been developed to identify high-risk patients. This study compared MET activation rates between PITs and the general ward population. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital. The primary outcome (MET activation) was obtained from a database. Between 2008 and 2014, the MET activation rate was significantly higher in the PIT group than the general ward population (14 vs. 2.9 per 100 admissions, p < 0.001). PITs are at significantly higher risk for MET activation. Strategies should be developed to reduce their risk on the wards.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared.<br /> (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)