title: [Ventilator-associated pneumonia].
abstract: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a severe, not entirely preventable complication of invasive ventilation. Timely and adequate antibiotic treatment is important; therefore, intensivists often initiate broad spectrum antibiotic regimens upon clinical suspicion of VAP. Criteria for the diagnosis of VAP are not perfect and a clear distinction of VAP from ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis is not always possible due to the limitations of chest x-rays in ventilated patients. The attributable mortality of VAP is likely overestimated. All these aspects increase the need to reevaluate the diagnosis of VAP on a daily basis. Microbiology data are helpful in the decision to de-escalate or stop antibiotics. The prudent use of antibiotics and implementation of a number of preventive measures are key for management of VAP in ICUs. These steps will help to minimize the development of multidrug-resistant pathogens and, in turn, may help guarantee more antibiotic options for future patients.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Infektiologie und Pneumologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum und Charité Campus Mitte, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosseau
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schütte
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suttorp
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents