Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
04:32

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: June 28, 2018

11.2K

Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in infants and children: a cross-sectional cohort study

Denise Miyuki Kusahara1, Camila da Cruz Enz2, Ariane Ferreira Machado Avelar2

  • 1Denise Miyuki Kusahara is a pediatric critical care nurse, Ariane Ferreira Machado Avelar is an adjunct professor, Maria Angélica Sorgini Peterlini and Mavilde da Luz Gonçalves Pedreira are associate professors, Pediatric Nursing Department, and Camila da Cruz Enz is a registered nurse and a former scientific initiation fellow, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. dkusahara@unifesp.br.

American Journal of Critical Care : an Official Publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
|November 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in children is linked to nasoenteral tubes and vasoactive drugs. Prolonged stays in the pediatric intensive care unit also increase the risk of this serious infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) epidemiology is well-documented in adults.
  • Limited data exists on VAP risk factors specifically in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predisposing factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in children.
  • To inform targeted prevention strategies in pediatric intensive care units.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 96 pediatric patients in a 9-bed pediatric intensive care unit.
  • Analysis included demographic, clinical, medication, nutritional, procedural, and mechanical ventilation variables.
  • Statistical methods included logistic regression to determine independent risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Nasoenteral tube use (OR, 5.278), intermittent nutritional formula (OR, 6.632), emergency reintubation (OR, 2.700), and vasoactive drug use (OR, 5.108) were associated with VAP.
  • Increased duration of mechanical ventilation and longer pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and hospital stays correlated with VAP occurrence.
  • Independent risk factors identified were vasoactive drugs, nasoenteral tubes, and PICU length of stay.

Conclusions:

  • Nasoenteral tube use, vasoactive drug administration, and prolonged PICU stay are independent risk factors for VAP in children.
  • Findings highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions in vulnerable pediatric patients.
  • Further research may explore specific interventions to mitigate these identified risks.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

14.6K
Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

Published on: October 31, 2025

850

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
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...
1.4K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
17
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
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...
3.0K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
1.3K
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
1.3K
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings01:29

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
4.1K