Comparing the effect of continuous and intermittent feeding on the Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Ventilator-Associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second common infections with high mortality (24-40%). In this study designed to determined effect of continuous (infusion) and intermittent (bolus) feeding on the Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in ICU Patient.

This randomized controlled trial was performed on 76 patients admitted in ICU. They were randomly allocated to equal two groups (n=38). In case group، continuous feeding and in controlled group intermittent feeding was performed during the first five days. The incidences of early pneumonia (the first 3 to 5 days) and increase WBC (White Blood Cell) and PMN (Poly Morph Nuclear) in both groups were compared during the first 5 days.

The rate of increase in WBC (>11000/ml) and PMN (band cell>50%) in continuous group was 8 patients (10. 5%) and in intermittent group were 7 patients (9. 2%) (pv=0. 32). The incidences of early pneumonia (CPIS >or=6) in case group were 4 patients (5. 3%) and in control group were 7 patients (9. 2%) (pv=0. 77).

The results of this study showed that incidence of early VAP in case group was lesser، but this difference was not significant. Also، there was no significant difference in increase of WBC and PMN in both groups.