Biochemical Predictors of Wound Healing in Tracheostomy Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study
Metabolic Factors in Tracheostomy Wound Healing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.01.0186Keywords:
Tracheostomy, Wound Healing, Biomarkers, Albumins, C-Reactive Protein, Glycated Hemoglobin A, ZincAbstract
Background: Tracheostomy is a common intervention in critically ill patients; however, delayed wound healing remains a significant postoperative concern. Biochemical factors such as nutritional status, systemic inflammation, glycemic control, and micronutrient balance may influence tissue repair, yet limited prospective evidence exists in tracheostomy patients.
Objectives: To evaluate the predictive value of selected biochemical parameters on wound healing outcomes in adults undergoing tracheostomy.
Methods: This prospective clinical study was conducted at Indus Hospital over one year (June 2024–May 2025) and included 100 adult patients undergoing elective or emergency tracheostomy. Preoperative and early postoperative biochemical assessments included serum albumin, prealbumin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hemoglobin, serum zinc, and serum iron. Wound healing was monitored clinically, with delayed healing defined as persistent inflammation, discharge, or incomplete epithelialization beyond 14 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of delayed healing.
Results: Delayed wound healing occurred in 28% of patients. Those with delayed healing demonstrated significantly lower serum albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, zinc, and iron levels, along with higher fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, CRP, and IL-6 values (p < 0.05). Serum albumin and prealbumin showed strong negative correlations with healing time, whereas CRP and IL-6 correlated positively. Multivariate analysis revealed low serum albumin (OR 3.4), elevated CRP (OR 2.9), uncontrolled HbA1c (OR 2.7), and low serum zinc (OR 2.5) as independent predictors of delayed healing.
Conclusion: Nutritional deficiency, systemic inflammation, poor glycemic control, and micronutrient imbalance significantly influence postoperative wound healing in tracheostomy patients. Routine biochemical evaluation and early metabolic optimization may improve healing outcomes and reduce complications.
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