Assessing the role of tracheostomy placement in bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary hypertension

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication of preterm birth and is associated with abnormal vasculature that contributes to pulmonary hypertension (PH). We evaluated how a tracheostomy may alter PH in these patients.

A retrospective chart review over 15-years identified 17 patients with BPD and PH who underwent tracheostomy. Each patient had four echocardiograms re-reviewed and scored for tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (TR), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right atrial cross-sectional area (RACA), and left ventricle eccentricity indices (EI).

There was improvement in TR, TAPSE, RACA, and left ventricle EI indicating reduction in PH after tracheostomy.

PH improves over time though role of tracheostomy in PH needs to be further defined. The EI may be a sensitive marker to follow over time in these patients.