An Efficacy of Intermittent Subglottic Irrigation with 3% NaCl on Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the leading cause of death associated with healthcare-associated infections, an important cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and advanced supportive measures. The accumulation of subglottic secretions above the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, as these secretions may leak around the cuff of the ETT resulting in aspiration and an increased risk for infection of VAP. Objective: (1) To assess the efficacy of intermittent subglottic irrigation with 3% NaCl for the prevention of VAP. (2) To assess the association between VAP in the experimental and control group with demographic variables. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach and an experimental research design were used for the present study. Simple random sampling technique using a lottery method was used for the selection of the sample. Results: The study revealed that on comparison of VAP for the experimental and control group on days 2nd and 3rd, there is a significant association found. Second day P = 0.003 Significant (S), 3rd day P < 0.0001(S). On 1st day, the experimental group revealed that there is a significant association (P = 0.003) between the duration of the mechanical ventilator and VAP, on the 2nd day, the control group shows the duration of the mechanical ventilator was associated with VAP (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the present study is intermittent subglottic irrigation with 3% NaCl was effective on the prevention of VAP.