Incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units and its relationship with risk factors

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia is the most important cause of mortality of nosocomial infections. Still incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and its related risk factors in routine nursing care in the intensive care unit has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Ventilator-Associated in intensive care units and its relationship with risk factors. This Descriptive-Analytical study conducted in the intensive care unit in Semnan educational hospitals. 35 patients were selected by convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria included of age over 18 years, connecting to mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours, lack of pneumonia, no contraindications for oral rinse, without oral trauma, and having no contraindications to raise head of bed at least 30 degrees. Oral rinse was done with normal saline twice a day also for diagnosis of pneumonia, Modified Clinical Pneumonia Infection Score and for collecting patient’s data, questionnaire was used. Results showed that 13 (37/1%) patients developed ventilator-associated pneumonia. except of the use of antibiotics and underlying disease between risk factors and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia was not significant relation. In this study, a high incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia is observed. Use a disinfectant solution in oral rinse for reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia is necessary. Also rational administration and non-use of antibiotics for a long time in the intensive care unit and control of the underlying disease can be an effective action in reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia.