Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: Incidence, Etiology, and Preventive Strategies

Objective: To determine the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit, and to characterize most common causative pathogens and resistance pattern. To evaluate compliance to VAP prevention strategies and their documentation in order to identify areas for quality improvement. Design: A retrospective single center study was performed in which medical records were reviewed from all patients on mechanical ventilator admitted to intensive care unit from January to December 2007. The Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) and problem list were used to identify VAP cases. Data on microbial isolates and antimicrobial resistance were collected as well as documentation of measures to prevent VAP.