Laryngeal and Tracheal Pressure Injuries in Patients With COVID-19

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Laryngeal and Tracheal Pressure Injuries in Patients With COVID-19 Via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First To the Editor The important study by Fiacchini and colleagues of laryngotracheal complications in ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported a staggering 47% incidence of full-thickness tracheal erosion (FTTE) and tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF). These findings raise critical questions about ensuring safe, high-quality care for intubated patients. Although intense research has focused on the molecular basis of COVID-19, pathogenesis of pneumonitis, and novel therapeutics; far less work has addressed the prevalence and pathogenesis of iatrogenic injury—particularly with respect to airway device-related pressure injuries. Injury at the level of the tracheal cuff likely accounts for the preponderance of FTTE and TEF reported, and tissue injury may occur at any site where there is contact between a device and the aerodigestive tract. Risk is highest in patients with overzealous cuff inflation, high-dose steroids, prone ventilation, prolonged intubation, feeding tubes, or impaired wound healing from diabetes or radiation—a perfect storm for patients with COVID-19. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.