[Ventilator-associated pneumonia after cardiac surgery]

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent complication in intensive care units, particularly after abdominal and thoracic surgery.
• Cardiac surgery patients are susceptible to VAP, impacting patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology and aetiology of VAP in patients undergoing coronary artery surgery.
• To compare local VAP data with national surveillance programs and other cardiac centers.

Main Methods:

• Prospective surveillance of VAP cases in 2,170 cardiac surgery patients.
• Utilized CDC definitions for suspected VAP detection by the Infection Control Team.
• Microbiological analysis to identify common pathogens.

Main Results:

• Fifty-three VAP cases were identified, with a cumulative incidence of 2.2%.
• The VAP rate was 18.3 per 1,000 ventilator days, and mortality was 1.9%.
• Predominant pathogens included Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and Candida albicans.

Conclusions:

• VAP incidence was comparable to national data, but epidemiological and microbiological profiles differed.
• Significant variations in VAP epidemiology and microbiology were observed compared to other cardiac centers.
• An effective hospital-acquired pneumonia detection system is crucial for cardiac surgery patients.