Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Incidence and risk factors six intensive care units in Tunisia
Abstract Background Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) continues to cause significant morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to determine incidence and factors associated with VAP in six ICUs of the University Hospital-Sahloul (Sousse, Tunisia) in 2018. Methods We conducted a prospective observational cohort study over a three months period in six ICUs of the University Hospital-Sahloul (Sousse, Tunisia) in 2018. All patients hospitalized with mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours in the ICUs were included. Logistic regression with the stepwise method of Hosmer and Lemeshow was used to identify factors associated with VAP. Results Overall, 110 patients were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 44 ± 25 years. Of them, 66.4% were male. The median duration of MV was 5 days [2-16]. The incidence of VAP was 32% and the density incidence was 33/1000 ventilator days. The most common organism were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 14). Of them, 12 were ceftazidime-resistant and thee were resistant to imipenem. Independent risk factors associated with VAP in ICU were history of antibiotic therapy during last 6 months (p = 0.007), tracheotomy (p < 0.001) and reintubation (p < 0.001). Conclusions VAP rates in our ICUs were very high. Antimicrobial stewardship programs involving pharmacists and physicians must be elaborated to optimize the antibiotic prescribing. Mechanical ventilation require more-effective interventions control in our hospital. Key messages Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia rates were very high. Independent risk factors associated with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia were history of antibiotic therapy during last 6 months, tracheotomy and reintubation.