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Volume 13 Issue 12 (December) 2024

Original Articles

Exploring Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Neurocritical Care Settings
Dr. Avani V. Mendpara, Dr. Brijesh R. Koyani, Dr. Shalini Gupta, Dr. Vinyl Kumar Pahuja

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) represents the most frequently occurring hospital-acquired infection within the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to determine the incidence of VAP, identify bacterial pathogens isolated from endotracheal aspirates, and assess their antibiotic sensitivity patterns in neurocritically ill patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 145 neurocritically ill patients who developed VAP after they were admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Endotracheal aspirates were collected under strict aseptic conditions using a 22-inch suction catheter attached to a mucus extractor. The aspirates were subjected to Gram staining, biochemical identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: The study reported a 29.66% incidence of VAP. No significant association was found between the underlying neurological condition and the development of VAP. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated organism, followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Most isolates demonstrated resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Patients with VAP exhibited higher mortality rates, longer durations of mechanical ventilation, and extended hospital stays compared to non-VAP patients. Conclusion: While VAP does not appear to have a definitive impact on mortality, it may contribute to prolonged ICU stays and extended periods of mechanical ventilation. Timely diagnosis and the initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy are essential to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with VAP. Key Words: Ventilator, Pneumonia, Critical care, Pseudomonas.

 
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