Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Eva Tejerina1, Fernando Frutos-Vivar, Marcos I Restrepo
1Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, 28905-Getafe, Madrid, Spain.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Design:
Prospective cohort.
Setting:
Three hundred sixty-one intensive care units (ICUs) from 20 countries.
Patients And Participants:
Two thousand eight hundred ninety-seven patients mechanically ventilated for more than 12 hours.
Measurements And Results:
Baseline demographic data, primary indication for mechanical ventilation, daily ventilator settings, multiple organ failure over the course of mechanical ventilation, and outcome were collected. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was present in 439 patients (15%). Patients with VAP were more likely to have chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, aspiration, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mortality in patients with VAP was 38%. Factors associated with mortality were severity of illness, limited activity before the onset of mechanical ventilation and development of shock, acute renal failure, and worsening of hypoxemia during the period of mechanical ventilation. Case-control analysis showed no increased mortality in patients with VAP (38.1% vs 37.9%, P = .95) but prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay.
Conclusion:
In a large cohort of mechanically ventilated patients, VAP is more likely in patients with underlying lung disease (acute or chronic). Ventilator-associated pneumonia was associated with a significant increase in ICU length of stay but no increase in mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction