Abstract
Introduction: Understanding the factors associated with the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) will allow for better prevention and control of VAP. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of VAP, as well as to determine risk factors and protective factors against VAP. Design: Mixed prospective and retrospective cohort study. Methods: The cohort involved 371 critically ill patients who received standard interventions to prevent VAP. Additionally, patients in the prospective cohort were provided with continuous automatic pressure control in tapered cuffs of endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes and continuous automatic subglottic secretion suction. Logistic regression was used to assess factors affecting VAP. Results: 52 (14%) patients developed VAP, and the incidence density of VAP per 1000 ventilator days was 9.7. The median days to onset of VAP was 7 [4; 13]. Early and late onset VAP was 6.2% and 7.8%, respectively. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, tracheotomy (OR = 1.6; CI 95%: 1.1 to 2.31), multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated in the culture of lower respiratory secretions (OR = 2.73; Cl 95%: 1.83 to 4.07) and ICU length of stay >5 days (OR = 3.32; Cl 95%: 1.53 to 7.19) were positively correlated with VAP, while continuous control of cuff pressure and subglottic secretion suction used together were negatively correlated with VAP (OR = 0.61; Cl 95%: 0.43 to 0.87). Conclusions: Tracheotomy, multidrug-resistant bacteria, and ICU length of stay >5 days were independent risk factors of VAP, whereas continuous control of cuff pressure and subglottic secretion suction used together were protective factors against VAP.