VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection diagnosed in the intensive care units (ICUs). Hence the present study was undertaken to study the incidence, risk factors, case fatality rate of ventilator associated events (VAE) and VAP in ICU of a tertiary level hospital. Method: Total 100 patient of either sex, having the age of >18 years and who was received mechanical ventilation more than 48 hrs for any indication over a period of 12-18 months in an ICU of a tertiary level hospital were studied. Results: The incidence of VAP was 38.0% and VAP rate was 59.6/1000 ventilator days. Post op status (71%) and trauma (22%) were the most common risk factors which lead to VAP and VAE. Acinetobacter spp (19%) and Klebsiella spp (12%) were the two most common microorganisms causing VAP. Mortality or case fatality rate was 42.10%. In ventilator associated events, 45% patients developed VAC (Ventilator associated condition), 44% patients developed IVAC ( Infection related Ventilator associated condition) and 38% patients developed possible VAP. Conclusion: VAP is a serious problem in the ICU leading to longer hospital stay higher treatment costs and increased mortality and morbidity. Prolonged mechanical ventilation is an important risk factor.