Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a form of hospital-acquired pneumonia (considered the commonest form ).

Terminology

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is defined as pneumonia occurring more than 48 hours after patients have been intubated and started on mechanical ventilation .

Epidemiology

It may complicate the course of 8 to 28% of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Clinical presentation

It is usually suspected when the patient develops a new or progressive air space opacities on chest radiograph, a raised white cell count and/or purulent tracheobronchial secretions whilst being on mechanical ventilation.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

Plain film features are non-specific and it is impossible to differentiate from other forms of pneumonia and therefore the clinical context is the key to the diagnosis.