![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) is characterized by signs of respiratory tract infection without radiographic infiltrates in patients who have been ventillated for at least 48 hours. Aim of the Work: was to study the incidence, causative organisms and outcomes of VAT in mechanichally ventilated patients. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 70 patients aged > 18 years who have been ventilated for more than 48 hours in ICU, Tanta university hospitals. Patients were evaluated according to the criteria for the diagnosis of VAT and classified into two groups, group I included 30 patients without VAT and group II included 40 patients with VAT. Outcomes of the patients were followed up regarding development of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality in the ICU. Results: Incidence of VAT was 40/95 of patients (42.1%), Klibseala pneumonie was the most common isolated causative organism 14 (35.0%) in VAT, VAT was significantly associated with increased length of ICU stay and longer duration of mechanical ventilation when compared to patients without VAT (p<0.001). Among 40 patients diagnosed with VAT, 7 patients developed VAP. No significant statistical difference was found in mortality between group I and group II (13% vs 30%) (p>0.05). Conclusion: VAT is a common infection in mechanically ventilated patients that significantly affects the duration of mechanical ventillation, length of ICU stay and development of VAP. The higher frequency of VAT needs further studies to set protocols in every intensive care unit. |