Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in 9-27% of patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV).
VAP increases the duration of MV and increases the ICU length of stay.
VAP is primarily caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions either during intubation or while receiving MV.
While there are many interventions that may potentially reduce the incidence of VAP (aspiration of subglottic secretions, selective digestive decontamination, monitoring endotracheal cuff pressure), a simple, no cost intervention is patient positioning.
Placing intubated patients in the semirecumbent position is associated with a lower risk of VAP.
References
Ramirez P, et al. Measures to prevent nosocomial infections during mechanical ventilation. CurrOpinCrit Care 2012;18:86-92.
