Abstract
To evaluate the data on antimicrobial therapy for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and its impact on patient outcomes. Mechanically ventilated patients are at increased risk for tracheal colonization with bacterial pathogens that may progress to VAT and/or VAP. Previous studies suggest that 10-30% of patients with VAT progress to VAP, which results in increased morbidity but not mortality. Several natural history studies and small randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis reported that appropriate, pre-emptive antibiotic treatment for VAT reduces VAP, duration of intubation and length of ICU stay. This review focuses on diagnostic criteria for VAT and VAP, etiologic agents, rationale and benefits of initiating pre-emptive, appropriate antibiotic treatment for VAT to prevent VAP, improve patient outcomes and associated acute and chronic healthcare costs.
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