Evaluation of risk factors of ventilator associated pneumonia on outcome of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundVentilator associated pneumonia (VAP) remains an area of active clinical research with little data about effect of (VAP) on outcome among patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Materials and methodsA prospective study included patients with COPD exacerbation requiring endotracheal intubation for more than 48 h. Clinical assessment and Quantitative culture done for all patients for the occurrence of VAP.ResultsOut of one hundred fifty two patients 92 patients (60.5%) were with VAP diagnosis. Their mean age was 56.1 ± 15.02 (38 cases developed early while 54 cases developed late VAP). Forty eight cases were discharged (54%) while 44 cases (46%) died. In comparing mean age of both groups 45.08 ± 15.52 and 57.41 ± 16.34 with P value 0.003. Prolonged use of antibiotics, re-intubation and steroid use are possible risk factors for VAP with significant P values 0.03, 0.001, 0.05 respectively. Age above vs. below 60 showed adjusted odds ratio 5.33; 95% confidence interval 1.59–7.83 with P value 0.007. Early vs. late VAP, and prolonged use of antibiotics vs. none showed significant odds ratio 0.32; 95% CI 0.13–0.76, odds ratio 2.85; 95% CI 1.07–7.59 with P values 0.01, 0.04 respectively.ConclusionsOld age, late onset VAP, re-intubation and prolonged use of antibiotics were predictors of mortality in VAP patients with AECOPD.