Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia

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Abstract

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) represents a risk factor for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which develops at least 48 h after admission in patients ventilated through tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation. VAP is the most frequent intensive- care-unit (ICU)-acquired infection among patients receiving IMV. It contributes to an increase in hospital mortality, duration of MV and ICU and length of hospital stay. Therefore, it wors- ens the condition of the critical patient and increases the total cost of hospitalization. The introduction of preventive measures has become imperative, to ensure control and to reduce the incidence of VAP. Preventive measures focus on modifiable risk factors, mediated by non- pharmacological and pharmacological evidence based strategies recommended by guidelines. These measures are intended to reduce the risk associated with endotracheal intubation and to prevent microaspiration of pathogens to the lower airways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)152-161
Number of pages10
JournalRevista Portuguesa de Pneumologia
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Prevention
  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia

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