Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a well known complication of mechanical ventilation (MV) and is associated with increased duration of MV, hospital length of stay, and cost.
VAP is commonly associated with multi-drug resistant organisms, including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and Enterobacteriaceae.
Given the significant impact upon morbidity, a number of organizations have recommended "bundles" of care for the prevention of VAP.
Important measures for the prevention of VAP include:
Strict hand hygiene
Head of bed elevation to 30-45 degrees
Closed endotracheal suctioning
Maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure > 20 cm H2O
Oral chlorhexidine rinses
Orogastric tube placement
References
Kollef MH. Ventilator-associated complications, including infection-related complications. Crit Care Clin 2013; 29:33-50.
