Prevalence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Evaluation of Serum C-Reactive Protein, Hemoglobin, and Procalcitonin Levels as their Biomarkers Among Brain Trauma Patients in 5th Azar Hospital, Gorgan, Iran

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with endotracheal intubation. Finding potential early indicators of this condition can aid in reducing the disease burden. We aimed to investigate the relationship between VAP occurrence and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and hemoglobin (Hgb) during ICU hospitalization of brain trauma patients.

This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on brain trauma patients (99 male, 39 female), referring to the 5th Azar hospital in Gorgan, Iran, in the course of 2017. The patients were hospitalized in ICU with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The diagnosis of VAP was confirmed by a 12-score rating based on chest radiographs, body temperature, white blood cell count, and sputum culture. After admission, serum CRP, PCT, and Hgb were documented daily for 6 days.

According to the diagnostic criteria, VAP was confirmed in 41 patients (30%). Serum CRP and PCT levels on the 6th-day post-admission were significantly associated with VAP diagnosis, while Hgb levels did not differ significantly between VAP and non-VAP patients. Serum levels of CRP, PCT, and Hgb on the 6th day were not associated with age or sex.

Our results indicate that serum CRP and PCT levels are associated with the occurrence of VAP in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Therefore, these biomarkers could be utilized to warn physicians about the possibility of VAP, thereby reducing mortality rate and hospitalization length.