The Role of Systemic Steroids in Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Most patients with postintubation tracheal stenosis are not ideal candidates for airway resection at presentation and their airways must be temporarily kept open by repeated bronchoscopic dilation (RBD). Meanwhile, some sufficiently recover by RBD without further airway resection requirement. We hypothesized whether systemic corticosteroids could lengthen RBD intervals, decrease the number of patients who eventually need airway resection, and shorten the required length of airway resection.

Methods: Between February 2009 and November 2012, a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a 1:1 ratio (corticosteroids group [group C], prednisolone 15 mg/day; placebo group [group P]) was conducted on 120 patients without tracheostomy or T tube and in no ideal situation for airway resection at presentation, whose precipitating injury had occurred recently. All underwent RBD until they became asymptomatic or prepared for airway resection. Asymptomatic patients received the capsules (prednisolone or placebo) for 6 months; others discontinued them before surgery. Those requiring RBD at short intervals underwent tracheostomy or T tube placement and were then excluded. Follow-up terminated 6 months after airway resection or capsule discontinuation.

Results: There were 105 patients (72 male; 50 in group C), aged 15 to 64 years, who completed their follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, history of tracheostomy, intubation cause and duration, time interval between intubation and initial bronchoscopy, length of stenosis, and subglottic involvement. Our study showed a trend for RBD with longer intervals (22 days), and fewer operations, 17% (28 of 50 versus 40 of 55) in group C, although statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the required airway resection length became significantly shorter (5.3 mm) in group C.

Conclusions: Early low-dose systemic corticosteroids can be beneficial in postintubation tracheal stenosis management.