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Ventilator-associated pneumonia and its prevention.
Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2012 Jun 28;
Authors: Bouadma L, Wolff M, Lucet JC
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given that ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) causes substantial morbidity, mortality and costs, prevention of this infectious process is a major challenge. RECENT FINDINGS: This study provides an update on the prevention of VAP, focusing on the ability of preventive measures to improve patient outcomes and concentrating wherever possible on the data published within the past 5 years. Particular attention is be paid to the latest approach to facilitate the implementation of those prevention measures known as 'care bundles'. SUMMARY: Several preventive measures have been shown to reduce the rate of VAP but many less have demonstrated an impact on patient outcomes (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, sedation and weaning protocols, selective digestive and oral decontamination and endotracheal tube with drainage of subglottic secretions). Patients at risk must be approached with a bundle of preventive measures. Beyond the theoretical frame, a great deal of attention must be given to the factors that might improve adherence to those preventive measures. Future clinical trials testing new strategies in preventing VAP should have patient outcomes (i.e. a reduction in the length under mechanical ventilation, in the duration of stay in healthcare settings or in antibiotic consumption) as primary end-points rather than VAP rates.
PMID: 22744316 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]