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Neurocritical Care

, Volume 13, Issue 1, pp 40–46 | Cite as

The TRACH Score: Clinical and Radiological Predictors of Tracheostomy in Supratentorial Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

  • Viktor Szeder
  • Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez
  • Wendy Ziai
  • Michel T. TorbeyEmail author
Original Article
First Online:

Abstract

Background and Purpose

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) continues to have high morbidity and mortality. Patients with sICH and poor mental status are at high risk of airway compromise and frequently require intubation. The traditional ventilatory weaning parameters are not reliable in patients with brain pathology. The objective of this study is to identify clinical and radiological predictors for tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients with sICH and to develop a scale that will accurately predict the need for tracheostomy in these patients.

Methods

Only patients with supratentorial sICH intubated on the field or on admission who survived the first 3 days were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of clinical and radiological variables was performed, and independent predictors were identified. A risk stratification scale (TRACH Score) was developed using these independent predictors.

Results

Several independent factors were associated with early tracheostomy. The signficant clinical predictor was Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (P < 0.003). Radiological predictors were presence of hydrocephalus (OR: 12.5; P < 0.002), septum pellucidum shift (OR: 9; P < 0.025), and location of sICH in the thalamus (OR: 9; P < 0.025). The TRACH score was defined by two variables radiological scale (RScale) and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). TRACH score = 3 + (1 × RScale) − (0.5× GCS). The RScale (L + H + S) was obtained by adding individual points assigned according presence of: sICH location in the thalamus (L) 2 points, hydrocephalus (H) 1.5 points, septum pellucidum shift (S) 3 points. The scale was very predictive of tracheostomy needs (OR: 2.57, P < 0.0001) with an ROC = 0.92, sensitivity of 94%, positive predictive value of 83%, and negative predictive value of 95%.

Conclusions

The TRACH Score is a practical clinical grading scale that will allow physicians to identify patients who will be needing tracheostomy. Application of this scale could have significant impact on length of stay and cost of hospitalization.

Keywords

Intracerebral hemorrhage Tracheostomy Mechanically ventilated Predictor Outcome Prognosis 
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Notes

Acknowledgment and Funding

None

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  • Viktor Szeder
    • 1
  • Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez
    • 1
    • 2
  • Wendy Ziai
    • 4
  • Michel T. Torbey
    • 1
    • 3
    • 5
    Email author
  1. 1.Department of NeurologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeUSA
  2. 2.Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeUSA
  3. 3.Department of NeurosurgeryMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeUSA
  4. 4.Department of NeurologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUSA
  5. 5.Neurocritical Care Program, Departments of Neurology and NeurosurgeryMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeUSA

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