Evaluation of risk factors in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Purpose:  Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a significant disease with high mortality rates. Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most critical pathogens leading to ventilator-associated pneumonia. This study aims to evaluate the underlying risk factors in patients diagnosed with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, who were followed in intensive care units of our hospital.Patients and Methods:  The data of 112 patients diagnosed with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, who were followed in Intensive Care Units other than Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of our hospital from 2013 to 2017, were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Of the cases included in our study, 70.5% were male, and 29.5% were female patients. Of the cases, 87.5% were followed in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit. The most common modifiable risk factors are mechanical ventilation, antacid use, and the most common non-modifiable risk factors were the presence of trauma and a history of cardiovascular disease.Conclusion: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a clinical condition with high mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Incidence and mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia can be reduced through the implementation of some necessary policies for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia and the practices for the reduction or elimination of modifiable risk factors.