Recommendations for Pediatric Patients With Tracheostomies
A clinical practice guideline from the American Thoracic Society has been published, outlining management recommendations for children with tracheostomies.
Reshma Amin, MD, and colleagues developed these recommendations, incorporating best evidence on diagnostic tools and care protocols.
- Tracheal aspirate cultures are recommended to guide antibiotic therapy, but not for routine surveillance.
- A multidisciplinary panel contributed to the recommendations, emphasizing the importance of ethical principles in guiding shared decision-making regarding tracheostomy placement.
Applying ethical principles to guide shared decision-making regarding tracheostomy placement is strongly recommended.
Author's summary: New guidelines for pediatric tracheostomy care published.