Managing the Chronically Ventilated Critically Ill Population

Advances in intensive care over the past few decades have significantly improved the chances of survival for patients with acute critical illness. However, this progress has also led to a growing population of patients who are dependent on intensive care therapies, including prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV), after the initial acute period of critical illness. These patients are referred to as the “chronically critically ill” (CCI). CCI is a syndrome characterized by prolonged mechanical ventilation, myoneuropathies, neuroendocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies, cognitive and psychiatric issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as a significant increase in healthcare costs. In this article, we will review disease burden, outcomes, psychiatric effects, nutritional and ventilator weaning strategies as well as the role of palliative care for CCI with a specific focus on those requiring PMV.