Risk Factors of Requiring Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Intubated Patients

Background: Prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 is associated with longer hospital stays. Guidance on which patients are at risk for tracheostomy due to the progression of COVID-19 is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the need for tracheostomy in patients intubated for COVID-19 between 1 March and 31 December 2020. Methods: The methodology for this study involved a single-center retrospective analysis of 120 patients who were intubated due to COVID-19 infection between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2020. A comparison of variables was performed using the Wilcoxon test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test alongside univariate analysis. Results: Several risk factors were found to be significantly associated with the need for tracheostomy, including age, P/F ratio, creatinine level, and history of arrhythmia. Conclusions: Initial exploration indicates the presence of certain factors that can help us understand future need for tracheostomy earlier in the patient’s clinical course. Further analysis should be performed with a larger sample size to validate these findings and increase the generalizability of the present study.