Serum endocan role in diagnosis and prognosis of ventilator associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication in as many as 28% of patients who receive mechanical ventilation. Studies have consistently shown that a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality risk.Aim of the workThe aim of this work is to elucidate the role of the serum endocan in the diagnosis and the prognosis of ventilator associated pneumonia.MethodsForty-two VAP patients, 20 non VAP ICU (on mechanical ventilation) admitted patients and 20 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex were included in the study. Endocan levels in serum samples were measured in all subjects.ResultsThere was a highly statistically significant difference (p value <0.001) between VAP patients on one side and non VAP-ICU patients and healthy control subjects on the other side regarding the mean values of endocan. Also, the mean values of endocan were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) among the dead VAP group than the survivor VAP group. There was a high statistically positive correlation (p value <0.001) between mortality prediction scores (APACHE II (R = 0.549), CRIP (R = 0.599) and SOFA (R = 0.517)) and endocan serum levels.ConclusionsThis study found increased endocan serum levels among VAP patients. We suggest a role for endocan in the diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of VAP patients.