Survival Rate of Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients on Tracheostomy in Indonesia

Introduction. During COVID-19 global pandemic, tracheostomy is often performed on critically ill COVID-19 patients. There is no available data on the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients on tracheostomy in Indonesia. This study aimed to find the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients on tracheostomy in Indonesia.

Methods. A descriptive survival analysis study enrolled critically ill COVID-19 patients in RSUI who underwent a tracheostomy procedure. Baseline data, including clinical characteristics and laboratory findings before tracheostomy, were recorded. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier plot.

Results. Forty-two subjects were enrolled in the study: 25 males (59.5%) and 17 females (40.5%). The median age was 57 (26 – 72) years. Subjects with diabetes mellitus or hypertension were 78.6% and 78.6% with BMI >25 kg/m². The mean duration of intubation was 16.24 ±7.62 days, the median duration of tracheostomy before the outcome was 8 (0 – 53) days. There were 9.5% of subjects survived and were discharged. The median survival time was 8 (0 – 53). In the first 15 days after tracheostomy procedures, those who were deceased were 75% of the subjects.

Conclusion. In this study, the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients on tracheostomy remains low. Another study to evaluate the cause of the low survival rate of critically ill patients with COVID-19 on tracheostomy is required.