Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients with Tracheostomies: Feasibility and Technical Considerations

Purpose Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in patients with tracheostomies has been perceived as difficult to perform and clinically unreliable. We studied the feasibility, quality, repeatability and clinical significance of PFT. Methods Patients with tracheostomies that underwent PFT from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012 were identified. Clinical history and PFT data were reviewed retrospectively. Results Fifty patients (88% men) were identified. Forty-seven (94%) patients were able to perform PFT. Acceptable repeatability was obtained for FVC in 39 (83%) and for FEV1 in 41 (87%). Patients with tracheostomies showed difficulty in meeting ATS end-of-test criteria; only 9 (19%) met plateau criteria and 25 (53%) had exhalation times of greater than 6 s. Obstructive pattern was observed in 30 (64%) and restrictive pattern in 9 (19%). DLCO measurements were attempted in 43 patients and satisfactorily obtained in 34 (79%). Conclusions PFT can be performed with reliability in patients with tracheostomies, and they are useful for detecting and classifying types of lung dysfunction.
Author(s): Ajay Sheshadri [sup.1], Leendert Keus [sup.2], David Blanco [sup.2], Xiudong Lei [sup.3], Cheryl Kellner [sup.2], Vickie R. Shannon [sup.1], Diwakar D. Balachandran [sup.1], Carlos A. Jimenez [sup.1], Lara Bashoura [...]