Ventilator-associated pneumonia in adult intensive care unit prevalence and complications

Background

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common cause of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital morbidity and mortality despite advances in diagnostic techniques and management. We aimed to determine the prevalence, possible complications and in-hospital prognosis of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

This prospective observational, case-control study, was carried out from September 2012 to August 2013. Forty-eight adult patients maintained on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h in our ICU were enrolled in the study. VAP was diagnosed as new persistent pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiographs and, at least two of following: (1) fever of ≥38.3 °C, (2) leukocytosis of ≥12,000⧹mm³, and (3) purulent tracheobronchial secretions. Endotracheal aspirate (ETA) samples of suspected cases were collected and processed as per standard protocols.

Results

The primary underlying diagnosis was acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in 25 patients, congestive heart failure in 10, pneumonia in 6, post-operative in 5, neurological diseases in 2 patients. VAP developed in 17 patients (35.4%), gram-negative agents were the major offending pathogen (Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounting for 22.9%). The length of ventilation (LOV) and the length of ICU stay (LOS_ICU) were significantly higher in the VAP group (P = 0.001, 0.0001 respectively). Severe sepsis/septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), atelectasis, and infection with multi-drug resistant organisms were more common in the VAP group. Conclusion: Ventilator-associated pneumonia was associated with a significant increase in ICU length of stay, time on mechanical ventilation and different complications.