Objective: To determine the prevalence ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and to
investigate the most common precipitating factors.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study held at intensive care unit (ICU) of King Hussein Medical
Center (KHMC) from January 2011 to January 2012. All patients who were on
mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were included. All patients should have
normal chest x-ray on admission and have no clinical evidence of infection or chest
trauma.
Result: A total of 400 patients were enrolled, aged between 15-65 years. Total of 30
patients had VAP. Chest x-ray for pneumonia was positive in all patients, leukocytosis
(WBC> 12,000) was seen in 90%. Blood culture was positive in 30%, sputum culture was
positive in 90%. Mortality rate was 30%.
Conclusion: VAP is associated with increase in morbidity and mortality, and prolonged hospital
stay. Better evaluation to causative factors may help in decreasing the incidence of VAP.
Key words: VAP, mechanical ventilation, ICU
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