Review article: ventilator-associated pneumonia in major burns

Major burns victims are particularly susceptible to pneumonia, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP remains a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality, despite improvements in intensive care and burns surgery in recent times. Length of ventilation, type and size of burn (especially inhalational burns) are related to the incidence of VAP. Other risk factors (number of re-intubations, theatre visits) are also important. Effective preventative strategies should be adhered to, and protocols should be implemented to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of VAP. Clinical criteria, radiology, and broncho-alveolar lavage should be used to determine the causative organism, and there should be a low threshold for the early initiation of empiric therapy, based on the prevailing resistance patterns in the unit. Major burns should be managed in centres where there is ready access to multidisciplinary resources and expertise.