Principle and influence factors of aerosolized antibiotics in the treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia

Abstract

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a challenging complication of critical illness. Aerosolized antibiotic is an option for the management of VAP currently, as it is reported that it could increase levels of drug in alveolar without increasing systemic toxicity. The articles that focused on the aerosolized antibiotics in the treatment of VAP and its influence factors were reviewed, and it was found that to achieve maximum drug delivery efficiency and reduce the influence of nebulization method, some factors, such as ventilation modes, tidal volume, nebulizer type, should be adjusted and monitored during the treatment.