VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA (VAP)

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a form of pneumonia that is transmitted when a patient is directly attached to a ventilator. It is classified as a nosocomial infection, meaning it was obtained in a hospital. The infection must be acquired at least 48 hours after intubation for it to be classified as ventilator-associated pneumonia. It is caused by germs invading the lower respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. Intubation impairs the oropharynx and trachea’s integrity and enables oral and stomach secretions to enter the lower airways.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are:

  • Tachypnea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Diaphoresis
  • Efficacious cough
  • Cyanosis
  • Fever and shivering

Depending on the extent of their ailment, various symptoms may manifest in each patient.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is unreliable. A new infiltrate on a chest x-ray obtained to evaluate new symptoms or signs (such as fever, increased secretions, increasing hypoxemia, or leukocytosis) or ventilator-associated pneumonia is often suspected in clinical practice. Nevertheless, since all of these may be brought on by atelectasis, pulmonary embolism, or pulmonary edema and may be present in acute respiratory distress syndrome, neither a symptom nor a sign nor an x-ray finding is sensitive nor specific to the diagnosis.

While not conclusive for diagnosing infection, Gram stain and semiquantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates are advised for directing therapy in VAP. For quantitative culture, bronchoscopy produces more dependable specimens that can distinguish between infection and colonization in lower airway secretions. Information obtained from bronchoscopic samples aids in moving from broader to narrower antibiotic coverage and decreases antibiotic consumption. It has yet to be shown to lead to better results.

Blood cultures are also quite sensitive but insensitive if a respiratory infection is found.

TREATMENT

Depending on the underlying etiology, therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia may differ. Some typical examples are:

  • Oxygen treatment
  • Airway clearance therapy
  • Fluid management
  • Antibiotic drugs
  • Hyperinflation therapy

The treatment strategy for each patient will be tailored to their particular requirements. Nonetheless, prevention is the most effective therapy for VAP.

Prevention

There are various VAP-prevention measures available to healthcare personnel, including:

  • Regular weaning trials
  • Noninvasive ventilation (NIV)
  • Hand hygiene
  • Prevent reintubation
  • Closed-suctioning techniques
  • Proper dental hygiene
  • Elevate the patient’s bed 30-45 degrees
  • Only replace the circuit when it is clearly dirty
  • Utilizing a heated-wire circuit to avoid condensation

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