Frequency of Resistant Microorganism Colonization and Risk Factors in Patients with Tracheostomy in Palliative Care

Introduction: Patients who had a tracheostomy for various reasons have an increased risk of infection due to the artificial opening. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of resistant microorganism colonization isolated from endotracheal aspirate and the risk factors for colonization in the adult population with tracheostomy in the palliative care inpatient service. Materials and Methods: Patients with tracheostomy who were hospitalized and followed up in the palliative care service between April 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively examined and the microorganisms in aspirate cultures and antibiotic resistance status were determined. Results: There were 74 tracheal aspirate cultures obtained from a total of 46 patients. There were 36 (78.3%) patients who had extensive drug resistance (XDR) or pan drug resistance (PDR) microorganisms in the culture. While the frequency of resistant colonization was found to be significantly higher in patients hospitalized in intensive care in the last three months (p = 0.04), no significant relationship was found between other clinical conditions and comorbidities. Discussion: We believe that adherence to isolation practices and appropriate antibiotic use can lower mortality rates and healthcare expenses in patients being monitored with tracheostomy, where colonization of resistant microorganisms is common.