A Clinical Study of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the critical care setting. Ventilator Associated Pneumonias are highly preventable owing to identification of risk factors, causes and best practices in the ICU.Aims and Objectives :The present study is aimed at determining the incidence of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia and their associated risk factors.Materials and Methods: The present hospital based observational study included 50 cases on ventilator support from the ICU of Apna Hospital, Hyderabad. All the cases were included after consent and underwent detailed history taking, relevant clinical examinations and necessary laboratory investigations. The incidence of VAP’s was determined and the data was analysed to find the related factors. Data was collected in MS Excel, presented in as numbers and percentages in the form of tables and charts.Results: The incidence of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia was found to be 38%. Early Onset VAP was estimated to be 47.3%, Late Onset VAP to be 52.7%. There was male predominance(64%) in our study group. Age groups 40-60 years contributed the most of the study population. Diabetes, Hypertension, CVD, alcoholism and tobacco use were associated in VAP cases.Conclusion :There is a high incidence of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in the critical care setting. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the causes and detailed risk factors as Ventilator Associated Pneumonia are a major cause of mortality, morbidity and increase the financial burden of the patient and the hospital.