The effects of escalation of respiratory support and prolonged invasive ventilation on outcomes of cardiac surgical patients: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of escalation of respiratory support and prolonged postoperative invasive ventilation on patient–centered outcomes, and identify perioperative factors associated with these two respiratory complications. Design A retrospective cohort analysis of cardiac surgical patients admitted to cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) between August 2015 and January 2018. Escalation of respiratory support was defined as ‘unplanned continuous positive airway pressure’, ‘non-invasive ventilation’ or ‘reintubation’ following surgery; prolonged invasive ventilation was defined as ‘invasive ventilation beyond the first 12 hours following surgery’. The primary endpoint was the composite of escalation of respiratory support and prolonged ventilation. Setting Tertiary cardiothoracic ICU. Participants A total of 2,098 patients were included and analyzed. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results The composite of escalation of support or prolonged ventilation occurred in 509 patients (24.3%). Patients who met the composite had higher mortality (2.9% vs 0.1%; P Conclusions Escalation of respiratory support or prolonged invasive ventilation are frequently seen in cardiac surgery patients, and are highly associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Hypoxemia and anemia on admission to ICU are potentially modifiable factors associated with escalation of respiratory support or prolonged invasive ventilation.