Timing of tracheostomy placement among children with severe traumatic brain injury: A propensity-matched analysis.

Propensity-matched analysis of 6,101 pediatric severe TBI patients demonstrates early tracheostomy (≤14 days) reduces ventilator days, ICU stay, and hospital length of stay compared to late placement. Early intervention also decreases complications including pneumonia, venous thromboembolism, and pressure ulcers.