Pediatric invasive long‐term ventilation—A 10‐year review

Introduction The number of children with complex physical and developmental pathologies, including chronic respiratory insufficiency, surviving and growing beyond early childhood continues to rise. No study has examined the clinical pathway of children on invasive long‐term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) in an Irish setting. Our data over a 10‐year period were reviewed to see if our demographics and outcomes are in line with global trends. Methods Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, Dublin is Ireland's largest tertiary pediatric hospital. A retrospective review analyzed data from children in our center commenced on LTMV via a tracheostomy over 10 years (2009–2018). This data was subdivided into two epochs for statistical analysis of longitudinal trends. Results Forty‐six children were commenced on LTMV from 2009 to 2018. Many had complex medical diagnoses with associated comorbidities. Far less children, 30.4% (n = 14) commenced LTMV in the latter half of the 10‐year period, they also fared better in all aspects of their treatment course. Focusing solely on children who have needed LTMV over this timeframe we have been able to isolate trends specific to this cohort. Less patients commenced LTMV on a year‐on‐year basis, and for those that require tracheostomy and LTMV, their journey to decannulation tends to be shorter. Conclusion Over the period reviewed, less patients over time necessitated LTMV, and those patients are being weaned and decannulated with ever more success. This has implications in terms of predicting numbers transitioning to adult services and allocation of hospital and community care resources.