Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) management depends on the interaction between the infective agent, the host response, and the antimicrobial drug used. After the pathogen reaches the lungs, two outcomes are possible: either the microorganisms are eliminated by the host immune system, or they overcome the immune system and cause pulmonary infection. When a patient is thought to have VAP, two steps are strongly recommended: etiologic diagnostic testing and the immediate initiation of antibiotics. The daily management of VAP remains a challenge for physicians in the ICU. In recent years, a more dynamic approach has evolved, updating local epidemiology, evaluating VAP and diagnostic tools every day, and assessing host response using clinical and biochemical parameters.
Diaz
Emili
E
Critical Care Department, Joan XXIII University Hospital, University Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Carrer Mallafre Guasch 4,Tarragona 43007 , Spain. emilio.diaz.santos@gmail.com
Ulldemolins
Marta
M
Lisboa
Thiago
T
Rello
Jordi
J
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents