This prospective observational study evaluates whether continuing enteral feeding until tracheostomy affects aspiration pneumonia risk and early clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients undergoing elective percutaneous tracheostomy. Patients are managed according to routine ICU practice and are observed in two groups: those who continue enteral feeding until tracheostomy preparation and those who undergo conventional 6-8-hour fasting before the procedure. The primary outcome is the incidence of aspiration pneumonia within 72 hours after tracheostomy. Secondary outcomes include respiratory parameters, arterial blood gas values, procedure-related complications, length of stay, and mortality. The study aims to determine whether routine fasting before tracheostomy provides additional clinical benefit or whether maintaining nutritional continuity may be a safe alternative in critically ill patients.
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Incidence of aspiration pneumonia
Timeframe: Within 72 hours after tracheostomy