Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia: Need for a personalized approach

Construction of Survival Nomogram for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Patients: Based on MIMIC Database

Objective: To construct and validate a predictive nomogram model for the survival of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) to enhance prediction of 28-day survival rate in critically ill patients with VAP. Methods: A total of 1,438 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with VAP were screened through Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV. On the basis of multi-variable Cox regression analysis data, nomogram performance in predicting survival status of patients with VAP at ICU admission for 7, 14, and 28 days was evaluated using the C-index and area under the curve (AUC). Calibration and decision curve analysis curves were generated to assess clinical value and effectiveness of model, and risk stratification was performed for patients with VAP. Result: Through stepwise regression screening of uni-variable and multi-variable Cox regression models, independent prognostic factors for predicting nomogram were determined, including age, race, body temperature, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, anion gap, bicarbonate concentration, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and liver disease. The model had C-index values of 0.748 and 0.628 in the train and test sets, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that nomogram had better performance in predicting 28-day survival status in the train set (AUC = 0.74), whereas it decreased in the test set (AUC = 0.66). Calibration and decision curve analysis curve results suggested that nomogram had favorable predictive performance and clinical efficacy. Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in survival between low, medium, and high-risk groups in the total set and training set (log-rank p < 0.05), further validating the effectiveness of the model. Conclusion: The VAP patient admission ICU 7, 14, and 28-day survival prediction nomogram was constructed, contributing to risk stratification and decision-making for such patients. The model is expected to play a positive role in supporting personalized treatment and management of VAP.

Aerosolized Antibiotics to Manage Ventilator-Associated Infections: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infectious complications in critically ill patients cover a wide spectrum of one disease process (respiratory infection), initiating from tracheal tube and/or tracheobronchial colonization, to ventilator associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP occurence has been associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity (ventilator days, as well as length of ICU and hospital stay) and ICU mortality. Therefore, treatments that aim at VAP/VAT incidence reduction are a high priority.

AIM

The aim of the present review is to discuss the current literature concerning two major aspects: (a) can aerosolized antibiotics (AA) administered in a pre-emptive way prevent the occurrence of ventilator-associated infections? and (b) can VAT treatment with aerosolized avert the potential evolution to VAP?

RESULTS

There were identified eight studies that provided data on the use of aerosolized antibiotics for the prevention of VAT/VAP. Most of them report favorable data on reducing the colonisation rate and the progression to VAP/VAT. Another four studies dealt with the treatment of VAT/VAP. The results support the decrease in the incidence to VAP transition and/or the improvement in signs and symptoms of VAP. Moreover, there are concise reports on higher cure rates and microbiological eradication in patients treated with aerosolized antibiotics. Yet, differences in the delivery modality adopted and resistance emergence issues preclude the generalisability of the results.

CONCLUSION

Aerosolized antibiotic therapy can be used to manage ventilator-associated infections, especially those with difficult to treat resistance. The limited clinical data raise the need for large randomized controlled trials to confirm the benefits of AA and to evaluate the impact on antibiotic selection pressure.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Due to MRSA vs. MSSA: What Should Guide Empiric Therapy?

The guidelines on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) recommend an empiric therapy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) according to its prevalence rate. Considering the MRSA and MSSA VAP prevalence over the last 9 years in our tertiary care hospital, we assessed the clinical value of the MRSA nasal-swab screening in either predicting or ruling out MRSA VAP. We extracted the data of 1461 patients with positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Regarding the MRSA nasal-swab screening, 170 patients were positive for MRSA or MSSA. Overall, MRSA had a high prevalence in our ICU. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant downward trend in MRSA prevalence, while MSSA remained steady over time. Having VAP due to MRSA did not have any impact on LOS and mortality. Finally, the MRSA nasal-swab testing demonstrated a very high negative predictive value for MRSA VAP. Our results suggested the potential value of a patient-centered approach to improve antibiotic stewardship.

The Use of Antibiotics for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the MIMIC-IV Database

Purpose: By analyzing the clinical characteristics, etiological characteristics and commonly used antibiotics of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs) in the intensive care database. This study aims to provide guidance information for the clinical rational use of drugs for patients with VAP. Method: Patients with VAP information were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, including their sociodemographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory measurements, complications, microbiology, and antibiotic use. After data processing, the characteristics of the medications used by patients with VAP in ICUs were described using statistical graphs and tables, and experiences were summarized and the reasons were analyzed. Results: This study included 2,068 patients with VAP. Forty-eight patient characteristics, including demographic indicators, vital signs, biochemical indicators, scores, and comorbidities, were compared between the survival and death groups of VAP patients. Cephalosporins and vancomycin were the most commonly used. Among them, fourth-generation cephalosporin (ForGC) combined with vancomycin was used the most, by 540 patients. First-generati49n cephalosporin (FirGC) combined with vancomycin was associated with the highest survival rate (86.7%). More than 55% of patients were infected with Gram-negative bacteria. However, patients with VAP had fewer resistant strains (<25%). FirGC or ForGC combined with vancomycin had many inflammation-related features that differed significantly from those in patients who did not receive medication. Conclusion: Understanding antibiotic use, pathogenic bacteria compositions, and the drug resistance rates of patients with VAP can help prevent the occurrence of diseases, contain infections as soon as possible, and promote the recovery of patients.

Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria: which is the best strategy to treat?

Introduction: Treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major challenge. The increase in multi-drug resistant bacteria has not been accompanied by the validation of new drugs, or by any new antimicrobial strategies to exploit the available agents. VAP due to Gram-negative bacteria has increased mortality, both due to the resistant pathogens themselves and due to inappropriate treatment. Local epidemiology, patients' characteristics and clinical responses provide the most important information for therapeutic decision-making. Moreover, data on VAP therapy due to resistant bacteria are lacking, and the choice of treatment is often based on clinical practice and individual experience. Areas covered: This review summarizes the strategies available for treating the three most prevalent resistant Gram-negative organisms causing VAP: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae. The review covers the results of a Pubmed search, clinical practice guidelines and reviews, and the authors' experience. Expert opinion: The existing evidence focuses on bloodstream infections or other sites rather than pneumonia and there are no recommendations for the treatment of VAP by multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, especially for combination regimens. The approval of new drugs is needed to provide effective and safe alternatives for treating carbapenemase-producing strains. Precision medicine and personalized approach are also fundamental in future research.

The relationship between ventilator-associated pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: what is the current evidence?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 65 million people from which > 25% will require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the commonest ICU infection and results in increased morbidity/mortality and costs. The literature on the interaction between COPD and VAP is scarce and controversial. The project aimed to search the literature in order to address the following: (i) Is COPD a risk factor for VAP development? (ii) Does COPD impact the outcome of patients with VAP? (iii) Does VAP development impact the outcome of COPD patients? (iv) Does COPD impact the aetiology of VAP? Current evidence on the topic is controversial. Regarding the impact of VAP on COPD patients, the majority of the existing limited number of studies suggests that VAP development results in higher mortality and longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Also, the majority of the studies exploring the impact of COPD on VAP outcomes suggest that COPD is independently associated with a decrease in survival, although the number of such studies is limited. Regarding the aetiology, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequent pathogen in VAP patients with COPD. Noteworthy, one study suggests that P. aeruginosa is higher in COPD patients even in the early-onset VAP subgroup. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the available literature on the interaction between COPD and VAP, highlighting the differences and limitations that may have led to controversial results, and it may act as a platform for further research with important clinical implications.

Drug Prevention and Control of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most prevalent and serious complications of mechanical ventilation, which is considered a common nosocomial infection in critically ill patients. There are some great options for the prevention of VAP: (i) minimize ventilator exposure; (ii) intensive oral care; (iii) aspiration of subglottic secretions; (iv) maintain optimal positioning and encourage mobility; and (v) prophylactic probiotics. Furthermore, clinical management of VAP depends on appropriate antimicrobial therapy, which needs to be selected based on individual patient factors, such as previous antibacterial therapy, history of hospitalization or mechanical ventilation, and bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns. In fact, antibiotic resistance has exponentially increased over the last decade, and the isolation of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen has been identified as an independent predictor of inadequate initial antibiotic therapy and which is significantly associated with increased mortality. Multiple attempts were used in the treatment of VAP, such as novel antibacterial agents, inhaled antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of VAP, aiming to better management of VAP in clinical practice.

Description of Clinical Characteristics of VAP Patients in MIMIC Database

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious nosocomial infection of intensive-care units (ICUs). Accurate, timely diagnosis enables early VAP patients to receive appropriate therapies and reduce the occurrence of complication. However, so far clinical datas regarding the epidemiology and mortality of VAP are still limited. Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database is a free, open and public resource about ICU research database. MIMIC database is a free, open, public database that collects information on more than 40,000 ICU patients who are predominantly white people. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to observe and describe the clinical characteristics of VAP patients in ICU from the MIMIC database. Method: A total of 418 patients were enrolled in the study. General information, ventilator use information, microbiology information, antibiotic use information, and some nursing-related information were extracted to describe and analyze the clinical features of VAP patients. Results: The results of the study showed that patients with one or three pathogens were the most. The main pathogens were YEAST (16.71%), STAPH AUREUS COAG+ (11.63%), Staphylococcus, COAGULASE NEGATIVE (8.68%), GRAM NEGATIVE ROD (S) (6.14%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.73%). Patients using 4 antibiotics were the most. The top five antibiotics in the largest proportion were synthetic antibacterials (24.66%), peptides (20.13%), cephalosporins (19.60%), penicillins (13.54%), and aminoglycosides (5.27%). Conclusion: This study summarizes the common pathogens of VAP and the antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of VAP by describing the clinical information of 418 patients with VAP in the MIMIC database. In clinical treatment, we should pay attention to aseptic operation, develop appropriate antibacterial measures, closely monitor the pathogens of VAP infection, and use antibiotics in a timely manner to control the occurrence and development of VAP.