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Abstract Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is pneumonia that occurs in intensive care unit patients who have been on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. It prolongs the time spent on mechanical ventilation, extends the hospital stay, and significantly increases the risk of complications and death. A condition in patients on mechanical ventilation for greater than 48 hours who present with a chest radiographic examination that shows new or progressive infiltrate, consolidation, cavitations, or pleural effusion and at least one of the following: new onset of purulent sputum or change in character of sputum; organisms cultured from blood; isolation of an etiologic agent from a specimen obtained by transtracheal aspirate; bronchial brushing or biopsy; increased or decreased white blood cell count; or increased temperature. The objectives of our study are to estimate the incidence, the risk factors, the pathogens, and manegement of VAP in a large heterogeneous cohort of mechanically ventilated patients. |