Interventions for primary pediatric tracheomalacia: A systematic review of the therapeutic landscape and evidence quality.
Int J Pediatr OtorhinolaryngolAug 31, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPediatrics
Jagjot Rakkar, Abdullahi Mohamed, Liz Dennett et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated interventions for primary pediatric tracheomalacia, analyzing 22 studies involving 764 participants. The review found that surgical pexy is the most studied intervention, with resolution rates reported between 73-100%. However, all evidence for pexy comes from uncontrolled observational studies, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.
Key findings
- Surgical pexy studies reported clinician-defined resolution rates of 73-100%.
- Eighteen of the included studies (82%) were retrospective.
- All four airway stenting studies achieved immediate airway patency but lacked long-term durability.
- No comparative studies against conservative management were identified for pexy.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of various interventions for pediatric tracheomalacia is crucial for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. The findings emphasize the need for high-quality evidence to guide management strategies in this patient population.