Comparison of two humidification systems on the incidence of Legionella pneumophilia ventilator associated Pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial

Ventilator associated pneumonia is the most common cause of infection in the intensive care unit and has a high mortality rate. Legionella pneumophilia is one of the important causes of ventilator associated pneumonia. This study evaluate the role of two different humidifiers in the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia related to Legionella pneumophilia in mechanically ventilated patients.

This randomized clinical trial was performed on 152 intubated patients in ICU who were mechanically ventilated and had the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups and each group used one of the humidification systems. After diagnosis of late onset ventilator associated pneumonia، urine sample was collected to assay Legionella pneumophilia antigen and results assessed.

According to analysis of data statistically، the incidence of ventilator association pneumonia was not significantly different in the two groups of Heat and Moisture Exchanger and Heated Humidifier. Mortality also had no difference in the two groups. Discussion and

None of the humidification systems had priority over the othe in the prevention of ventilator assisted pneumonia and mortality.