Changing heat and moisture exchangers every 48 hours does not increase the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia.
This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the risk of nosocomial pneumonia when changing heat and moisture exchangers every 48 hours in 1996 instead of every 24 hours in 1995 for patients needing continuous mechanical ventilation. Medical and surgical patients in the two periods did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics and markers of acute or underlying illnesses. The incidence density of nosocomial pneumonia was not different in the two groups. Extended heat and moisture exchanger use reduces circuit manipulation and cost.
Daumal
F
F
Intensive-Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier, Saint-Quentin, France.
Colpart
E
E
Manoury
B
B
Mariani
M
M
Daumal
M
M
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics