C-Reactive Protein Kinetics in Prognosis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Abstract

Introduction: Prognosis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is commonly predicted by on-site assessment of clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters. Sequential measurement of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) which is one of the low-cost biomarkers could be useful in the early identification of poor outcome of VAP. Aim: To assess the prognostic value of progressive CRP levels in patients with VAP and compare with non-VAP group of ventilated patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study at medico-surgical ICU between November 2017 and October 2018. The patients on mechanical ventilator for more than 48 hours were divided into VAP (n=27) and non-VAP group (n=38). VAP was considered based on modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) more than 6 along with microbiological evidence from Tracheal aspirate or Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with consolidation in Chest X-ray. Study subjects were monitored for the development of VAP. CRP measurements were done daily for the first 7 days then on 14th day. The evolution of mean CRP concentration throughout the course of VAP and non-VAP were analysed and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Results: Mean CRP level of VAP patients on the day of diagnosis was almost similar to non-VAP cohort. The mean CRP of non-survivor groups of both VAP and non-VAP patients had shown a gradual increase after day 4. However, the mean CRP after day 4, in the survivor group of both VAP and non-VAP showed either decreasing or unchanged trends. Conclusion: It was evident that the dynamics of the CRP levels in patients with VAP can be used to assess the effects of the therapy for a better outcome.