Trends in ventilator-associated pneumonia: impact of a ventilator care bundle in an Italian tertiary care hospital intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: The impact on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurrence of a multifaceted program, including progressive strategies for VAP prevention, implemented in an Italian intensive care unit (ICU) is reported.

METHODS: All adults admitted to the ICU in 2004-2010 with a length of stay ≥72 hours and mechanical ventilation time ≥48 hours were included in the study. Demographics, clinical information, and data on VAP were extracted from the ICU-acquired infection surveillance dataset. A standardized bundle for VAP prevention was implemented in 2004. In 2008, selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) was added to the protocol. Changes in VAP incidence were evaluated.

RESULTS: There were 1,372 subjects included in the study. Overall, 156 (11.4%) developed VAP. In the second part of the study VAP incidence decreased from 15.9% to 6.7% (P < .001). Reductions both in early-onset VAP (6.6% to 1.9%; P < .001) and late-onset VAP (9.3% to 4.7%; P = .001) incidence were observed. Multivariate analysis showed a significant reduction in the risk of developing VAP from multidrug-resistant pathogens in the bundle plus SDD period as well (odds ratio, .54; 95% confidence interval, .31-.91).

CONCLUSION: The implementation of a standardized approach to patient care, including a number of key reduction interventions, was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing VAP.