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Lower respiratory tract infections in the intubated patient constitute a serious health problem due to their associated morbidity and mortality. Microaspiration of the buccopharyngeal secretions is the main physiopathological mechanism underlying the development of pneumonia and tracheobronchitis in intubated patients. All care bundles designed to prevent these infections include the use of antiseptics to reduce buccopharyngeal colonization. Chlorhexidine is the antiseptic most frequently assessed in clinical trials and meta-analyses that conclude that oral hygiene with chlorhexidine reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia - maximum effectiveness being achieved when the product is administered at a concentration of 2%. However, 2meta-analyses have warned of a possible increase in mortality when chlorhexidine is used as an oral antiseptic. We therefore recommend its use but with extreme caution during application in order to avoid aspiration of the antiseptic. This article is part of a supplement entitled "Antisepsis in the critical patient", which is sponsored by Becton Dickinson., (Copyright © 2018. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the use of ultraviolet-C devices for terminal disinfection in hospitals, however, to date there is little information about the device's final impact on patients. We investigated the effect of an ultraviolet air sterilizer (UVAS) on the clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery patients., Materials and Methods: This random, prospective and non-interventional study included 1097 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: 522 stayed in an ICU room with UVAS (Medixair ® ) and 575 patients ICU room without UVAS and were used as a control. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate the effect of a UVAS on the overall prevalence of nosocomial infections in postoperative cardiac patients in ICUs., Results: No significant differences in ventilator-associated pneumonia (4.6% vs. 5.0%, p=0.77) and total infection (14.0% vs. 15.5%, p=0.45) rates were detected in patients with and without the UVAS. The length of stay in the intensive care unit and at the hospital was similar in both groups, UVAS (4.6 (8.2) days and 18.3 (5.5) days) and without UVAS (4.6 (7.3) days and 19.2 (18.6) days). The 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was 5.3%, no significant differences between groups were observed (p=0.053)., Conclusion: Novel ultraviolet-C technology has not been shown to significantly reduce nosocomial infections or mortality rates in cardiac surgery patients., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Representatives of the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) and the Argentine Society of Intensive Therapy (SATI) worked together on the development of specific recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The methodology used was the analysis of the literature published in the last 15 years, complemented with the opinion of experts and local data. This document aims to offer basic tools to optimize diagnosis based on clinical and microbiological criteria, orientation in empirical and targeted antibiotic schemes, news on posology and administration of antibiotics in critical patients and to promote effective measures to reduce the risk of VAP. It also offers a diagnostic and treatment algorithm and considerations on inhaled antibiotics. The joint work of both societies -infectious diseases and intensive care- highlights the concern for the management of VAP and the importance of ensuring improvement in daily practices. This guideline established recommendations to optimize the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VAP in order to reduce morbidity and mortality, days of hospitalization, costs and resistance to antibiotics due to misuse of antimicrobials.

Objective: To analyse whether adherence to non-pharmacological measures in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with nursing workload., Methods: A prospective observational study performed in a single medical-surgical ICU. Nurses in charge of patients under ventilator support were assessed., Variables: knowledge questionnaire, application of non-pharmacological VAP prevention measures, and workload (Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score). Phases: 1) the nurses carried out a educational programme, consisting of 60-minute lectures on non-pharmacological measures for VAP prevention, and at the end completed a questionnaire knowledge; 2) observation period; 3) knowledge questionnaire., Results: Among 67 ICU-staff nurses, 54 completed the educational programme and were observed. A total of 160 observations of 49 nurses were made. Adequate knowledge was confirmed in both the initial and final questionnaires. Application of preventive measures ranged from 11% for hand washing pre-aspiration to 97% for the use of a sterile aspiration probe. The Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score was 50±13. No significant differences were observed between the association of the nurses' knowledge and the application of preventive measures or between workload and the application of preventive measures., Conclusions: Nurses' knowledge of VAP prevention measures is not necessarily applied in daily practice. Failure to follow these measures is not subject to lack of knowledge or to increased workload, but presumably to contextual factors., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Enfermería Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias (SEEIUC). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia guidelines of nurses working in three intensive care units (ICU) in 3 university hospitals in a Spanish region, and evaluate the relationship between this level of knowledge and years worked in the ICU., Method: A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted using a validated and reliable questionnaire, made up by 9 questions with closed answers drawn from the EVIDENCE study. A total of 98 questionnaires were collected from ICU nurses of the three university hospitals (A, B, and C) from January to April 2014. The sample from hospital A responded the most, in contrast with the sample from hospital B, which was the one with the less participation. The Pearson correlation was calculated in order to determine the relationship between nurse years worked in ICU and level of knowledge., Results: Hospital A obtained in the best mean score in the questionnaire, 6.33 (SD 1.4) points, followed by hospital C with 6.21 (SD 1.4), and finally, the hospital B with 6.06 (SD 1.5) points. A p=.08 was obtained on relating years worked with the level of knowledge., Conclusion: The results showed a high level of knowledge compared other studies. There was a tendency between the years worked in the unit and the level of knowledge in ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a method of ventilatory support that is increasing in importance day by day in the management of postoperative respiratory failure. Its role in the prevention and treatment of atelectasis is particularly important in the in the period after thoracic and abdominal surgeries. Similarly, in the transplanted patient, NIV can shorten the time of invasive mechanical ventilation, reducing the risk of infectious complications in these high-risk patients. It has been performed A systematic review of the literature has been performed, including examining the technical, clinical experiences and recommendations concerning the application of NIV in the postoperative period., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To quantify the hours of mechanical ventilation in patients with head of bed elevation≥30°. Determining compliance of cuff measurement every 6h., Method: Descriptive longitudinal study. Measured: time head of bed elevation≥30°, <30° and reasons for non compliance, as well as cuff control every 6h., Results: One hundred and seventy-two records of head of bed elevation and 584 of cuff pressure. Daily average head<30° for care or procedures: 2h (1h19'). The theoretical average number of hours that patients should remain at≥30° was 21h15' (3h) and actual 14h (5h) (P<.001). Registration of cuff was 76,7%. Cuffs between 20-30cmH2O were 75.9%. The 20% of cuff pressure were measured every 6h<20cmH2O and 33.7% when the interval was higher (P=.04)., Conclusions: A third of the day patients are<30° without justification. Cuff pressure registration and percentage of therapeutic range are high. Control every 6h decreases the cuff with pressure<20cmH2O., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: We conducted a clinical trial to determine the impact of coating surfaces with copper in reducing hospital-acquired infections, mortality associated with nosocomial infections and antimicrobial costs in the UCI. The study took place at Carlos Van Buren Hospital, Valparaíso, Chile. No differences in the frequency of nosocomial infections were found. Not in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (p = 0.9), nor in catheter- associated urinary tract infection (p = 0.9) or in central venous catheter associated bacteremia (p = 0.3). There were no differences in infection-free survival (p = 0.9). There were less costs of antimicrobials in patients in which copper was used. The fact that the sample size was not completed could explain that no significant differences in infections were found., Conclusion: The use of copper as a surface in the ICU showed no statistically significant differences in rates of nosocomial infections during the study period, however, these results could be related to the sample size.

Introduction: The use of procinéticos in the critical patient with nutrition enteral, they have as aim reduce the increase of the gastric residue (RG). We evaluate his efficiency in the improvement of the intake enteral and on the reduction in the incident gastrointestinal complications (CGI) and pneumonia, in critical patients, with neurological injury Aims: To evaluate the effects in the administration metoclopramide (MCG), during the first five days with enteral nutrition, versus control (GC), on the volume of administered diet, gastrointestinal complications and the incidence of mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia (NAVM), in neuro-critically patients (NC) of traumatic and vascular aetiology. Prospective, closed-label, randomized study performed in an intensive Care Unit. Methords: 150 adult neuro-critical patients (NC) were admitted of consecutive form and 109 were randomly and two groups 58 MCG y 51 GC. The primary outcomes was the nutritional: the volume of administered diet (VAD); mean efficacious volume (MEV) measured in three consecutive periods of time; the gastrointestinal complications (GIC), and the rate of partial and definitive suspension of the diet. Infecction: incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia NAVM; and of secondary outcomes were: the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stay, and incidence the serious sequelae, and 30 days mortality., Results: Differences were not observed in the severity variables between groups on admission. A significant increase was observed in the global values and in the first five days of (p < 0.03) of the VEM in the group of MCG. The values of the global VDA and during three phases of study, the number CGI, the rate of partial and definitive suspensions of the diet, and number of NAVM, were similar in both not significant groups. Neither differences were observed in the overall analysis secondary variables., Conclusions: The metoclopramida in the NC, it is not effective in the decrease of the CGI, in the doses and time of treatment reflected in the study., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

Background: "Zero-VAP" is a proposal for the implementation of a simultaneous multimodal intervention in Spanish intensive care units (ICU) consisting of a bundle of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention measures., Methods/design: An initiative of the Spanish Societies of Intensive Care Medicine and of Intensive Care Nurses, the project is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Health, and participation is voluntary. In addition to guidelines for VAP prevention, the "Zero-VAP" Project incorporates an integral patient safety program and continuous online validation of the application of the bundle. For the latter, VAP episodes and participation indices are entered into the web-based Spanish ICU Infection Surveillance Program "ENVIN-HELICS" database, which provides continuous information about local, regional and national VAP incidence rates. Implementation of the guidelines aims at the reduction of VAP to less than 9 episodes per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation. A total of 35 preventive measures were initially selected. A task force of experts used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group methodology to generate a list of 7 basic "mandatory" recommendations (education and training in airway management, strict hand hygiene for airway management, cuff pressure control, oral hygiene with chlorhexidine, semi-recumbent positioning, promoting measures that safely avoid or reduce time on ventilator, and discouraging scheduled changes of ventilator circuits, humidifiers and endotracheal tubes) and 3 additional "highly recommended" measures (selective decontamination of the digestive tract, aspiration of subglottic secretions, and a short course of iv antibiotic)., Discussion: We present the Spanish VAP prevention guidelines and describe the methodology used for the selection and implementation of the recommendations and the organizational structure of the project. Compared to conventional guideline documents, the associated safety assurance program, the online data recording and compliance control systems, as well as the existence of a pre-defined objective are the distinct features of "Zero VAP"., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Weaning from mechanical ventilation is one of the greatest volume and strength issues in evidence-based medicine in critically ill adults. In these patients, weaning protocols and daily interruption of sedation have been implemented, reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation and associated morbidity. In paediatrics, the information reported is less consistent, so that as yet there are no reliable criteria for weaning and extubation in this patient group. Several indices have been developed to predict the outcome of weaning. However, these have failed to replace clinical judgement, although some additional measurements could facilitate this decision., (Copyright © 2012 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is one of the risk factors of pneumonia due to ventilation. One of the methods of prevention from accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is the use of oral solutions. Chlorhexidine is considered as the gold standard, but it has various side effects., Aim: Present study was aimed to determine and compare anti-bacterial effects of the chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%, herbal mouthwash of Matrica® (chamomile extracts) 10%, PersicaTM 10% and normal saline in intensive care unit patients., Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 80 patients who were admitted in ICU divided into four groups of 20 patients each one. Researchers applied PersicaTM to group one, chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash 0.2% to group two and third group received Matrica, finally in the control group, normal saline were used. In order to culturing of Staphylococcus aureus and S. pneumoniae,salivary samples were obtained without any stimulation after six minimums oral rinsing. The data were processed in SPSS17 software and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests., Results: Decreased rate of bacterial colonies after intervention in the whole four groups was significant (p < 0.001). The mouth wash of chlorhexidine (p < 0.001), PersicaTM (p: 0.008) and Matrica (p: 0.01) had a significant antibacterial effect on S. aureus and S. pneumoniae(p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Herbal oral mouthwash of persica and matrica has the effect on S. pneumoniae and S. aureus of oropharynx area in mechanically ventilated patients. However, there is a need for further research to be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine for prevention of VALP in ICU patients.

Objectives: To report the results of 13 years worth of epidemiologic surveillance of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) following heart surgery and the main interventions applied in order to reduce VAP incidence., Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study of active epidemiologic surveillance of VAP. National diagnostic criteria were used. Interventions associated with a decrease in VAlP incidence in adults who underwent heart surgery are described., Results: A significant and sustained reduction was observed in the rate of VAP; being 56.7 per 1,000 ventilator-days in 1998 vs 4.7 per 1,000 ventilator-days in 2010 (p < 0.001). The strongest reduction was observed following 2003 (34.4 to 14.8 per 1,000 ventilator-days in 2004, p < 0.001). The interventions with greatest impact were the implementation of an early-weaning protocol, the introduction of trained nurses to perform the mechanical ventilator equipment management and the routine use of alcohol-based hand rubs., Conclusion: Epidemiologic surveillance associated with the establishment of a multifactorial intervention program applied in collaboration with the attending team, have demonstrated a significant reduction of VAP incidence after heart surgery.

Introduction: With the aim of improving healthcare quality and safety of the patient, a multidisciplinary program was introduced and directed at the prevention of Mechanical Ventilation Associated Pneumonia (MVAP), following a continuous improvement cycle of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Adjust). An analysis of the measures applied is presented., Aims: Evaluation of the MVAP prevention program: theoretical knowledge, and fulfilment of the measures proposed. Analysis of the annual MVAP variation., Material and Methods: Acquired knowledge was evaluated through questionnaires. The results of the fulfilment of the measures proposed (elevation of the bed headboard, optimal pressure of the cuff, and oral hygiene) were analysed through monthly audits. Calculation of annual rate of MVAP and respiratory infections., Results: The knowledge of MVAP and its prevention had improved (P<.05). Preventive measures: Significant difference in the maintenance of headboard at >30° (P<.05) and in the performing of oral hygiene (P<.05). Improvement in the maintenance of cuff pressure between 20 and 30cm H2O (P=.13). Decline and stabilization of yearly rate of MVAP (0.7%)., Conclusions: The introduction of a training program and of a set of preventive non-pharmacological measures decreased the incidence of MVAP., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the leading nosocomial infection in intensive care. It is associated with increased ICU and hospital stay, an increased use of antibiotics, and greater hospital costs. The recently launched Pneumonia Zero project (NZ) undoubtedly constitutes a challenge for professionals in the ICU, and has been designed to reduce the high incidence rates described. It is necessary to establish the true incidence, and whether the latter is influenced by the diagnostic method employed. The lack of a reference standard for the microbiological diagnosis of VAP has generated controversy over the diagnostic algorithms to be used, with the distinction of two strategies: a noninvasive or clinical strategy based on upper respiratory tract cultures, and an invasive method based on the use of quantitative cultures of samples from the lower respiratory tract obtained by bronchoscopic techniques. Despite the recommendations of scientific societies, which do not justify the use of qualitative tracheal aspirates in the microbiological diagnosis of VAP, this method is still routinely used. This study underscores the need to stop using qualitative tracheal aspirates as a routine diagnostic method for VAP, recommending the use of bronchoscopic techniques or quantitative tracheal aspirates., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of oral care in preventing pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation (VAP)., Method: A search was made for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in CINAHL, Cuiden Plus, Pub Med, EMBASE, ENFISPO, Cochrane, Cuiden, DARE, EBE, JBI, and reverse lookup from the beginning of indexing of each database up to 3 May 2010. There were no restrictions on language, age, sex or underlying disease. RCTs that compared oral care and determined their effectiveness in preventing VAP were included. The different interventions were analysed to determine the most effective and protective. Epidat 3.1 was used for analysing the data. Out of a total of 858 articles reviewed, only 14 met the inclusion criteria., Results: Using a random effects model statistically significant results were found in favour of chlorhexidine as a protective factor against VAP (RR=0.7065, 95% CI: 0.5568-0.8963). The application of 0.12% chlorhexidine twice a day gave an RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.91 and 0.2% chlorhexidine four times daily: (RR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.90), being statistically significant. The application of 0.12% and 0.2% chlorhexidine three times a day and brushing did not give statistically significant results., Conclusions: The use of chlorhexidine in oral care is a protective factor against VAP. Tooth brushing did not prevent VAP. More RCTs using this intervention are needed to confirm these results., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of health care delivered in an Intensive Care Unit, concerning the use of pneumonia prevention and control measures in high-risk patients on mechanical ventilation. In this descriptive and exploratory research, 839 observations of patients under invasive ventilation care were carried out, between November 2009 and January 2010, using the Indicator of Evaluation of Adherence to Prevention and Control Measures in High-risk Patients (IRPR). Some isolated measures that compose the mentioned indicator reached rates close to 100%, but the general compliance rate with all prevention and control measures of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 26.94%. It is concluded that, although the evaluated practices are accomplished at the unit, systematic evaluations of the interventions is needed so as to permit the discussion and practice of other educational strategies by the health team.

Ventilator associated pneumonia is a life threatening disease, in spite of advances in its treatment, consequently the development of prevention strategies is a key factor in improving the morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICU). The new developments in this field in the last years led to the need to update the recommendations done in 2001. Then, a new search and analysis of scientific literature was performed. The obtained data support different strategies highlighting: semi-recumbent position at 45 degrees of patients; incorporation of routinely oral hygiene procedures with chlorhexidine; preference of orotracheal intubation; performing subglotic aspiration; use of standard hand hygiene techniques; not routine change of ventilator circuits; and defining bundles to organize the work at ICU. Some strategies were recommended for being of similar efficacy to others but cost-effective as: use of heat and moisture humidificators; and changing humidificators every 5 to 7 days. The use of open or closed endotracheal suctioning system does not affect the incidence of pneumonia. Some recommendations were not incorporated because of lack of evidence supporting effectiveness, controversial data or doubtful application to our country as selective digestive decontamination.

Aims: To determine compliance of the standard "semirecumbent position between 30-45° in patients with artificial airway (AA)". To know the opinion of the professionals on this issue., Material and Methods: An observational, prospective study was carried out in December 2009 in the ICU department of a tertiary hospital that excluded the limitation of therapeutic effort, prone position and antitrendelemburg., Data Collected: headrest angle, professional experience of the nurse, shift, perception of the auditor, diagnostic, type of AA (tracheostomy or endotracheal tube), mechanical ventilation (MV) (yes/no) and enteral nutrition (EN). Nurses were surveyed to verify if they knew the standard, if they complied with it, the method used and their suggestions. We used the Student's t test and ANOVA for multivariable analysis, and Fisher's χ2; p<0.05=significant., Results: A total of 546 valid measurements were obtained from 53 patients, of which 40.9% had the correct semirecumbent position (30-45°). Professionals with <1 year of experience were those who raised the headrest the least, with only 26.4% of these measurements over 30°. The standard was met in only 34.8% of the neurocritical patients (NC) vs non NC (46.7%) (p<0.05). It was <30° in 29.2% of patients with tracheostomy vs 44% measurements performed on patients with TOT (p<0.05). There were no differences between shifts, the use of MV or EN. Diagnostic accuracy of the auditor: sensitivity: 91.6%; specificity: 72.5%; positive predictive value: 70.2%; negative predictive value (NPV): 92.4%. 97.9% of responders know the standard. Visual judgment was used in 97.2% of the cases., Conclusions: Measured compliance was less than 50% although the standard is well known by the nursing team. Even though the subjective perception has a high NPV, it does not achieve the standard., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Oral hygiene (OH) forms a part of the patient's safety in the prevention of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The dental plaque index (DP) is considered as a quality marker for OH., Hypothesis: The association of electric toothbrush and conventional OH in intubated patients decreases the DP and incidence of VAP., Objective: To verify the reduction of DP in patients receiving OH and electric toothbrush and its association with to the decrease of VAP incidence., Materials and Methods: A 3-year long randomized, single blind and prospective study conducted in a 14-bed polyvalent intensive care unit. Patients were included when there was more than 48hours of mechanical ventilation and no expected respiratory infection. Patients were randomized into two groups: Standard (OH with chlorhexidine) (GS) and Raspall (Standard OH with electric dental brush) (GR). The VAP was identified following clinical, medical and microbiological criteria. The DP and halitosis were observed daily. Oral and pharyngeal swabs were collected during the first 5 days., Results: 147 patients were included. Mean age was 53.9±17.5. No significant differences were found in the VAP incidence between the two groups (OR=0.78; 95% IC, 0.36-1.68; p=0.56). The relation between halitosis and DP was p=0.7. The dental plaque index on the 5th day was 1.98 (n=60) in GR and 2.04 (n=57) in GS (p=0.3). The dental plaque index on the 10th day was 1.68 (n=29) in GR and 1.91 (n=32) in GS (p=0.7)., Conclusions: There is a tendency towards a decrease in the DP which is clearing in the GR group and no relation between VAP and greater DP or halitosis., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Ventilator associated pneumonia is the principal infectious complication in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and represents the main infectious cause of morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis and management is complex. Consequently, its prevention becomes a cornerstone in daily clinical practice. Daily interruption of sedation, oral and digestive decontamination, prophylactic administration of systemic and/or inhaled antibiotics, glycemic control, stress ulcer prophylaxis, transfusion policy and timing and adequacy of antibiotic treatment are the main suggested pharmacologic interventions. The aim of this review is to critically describe the principal pharmacologic interventions for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia, focusing on the degree of the evidence and the appropriateness for daily clinical practice., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Certain nursing interventions reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)., Objectives: a) to analyze in patients with more than 24 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation how frequently oral hygiene, oropharyngeal suction, turning and evaluation of the tolerance of enteral nutrition were performed according to established protocols; b) to record in these same patients endotracheal tube cuff pressures and the degrees of elevation of the head of the bed (HOB); c) to determine over the three months of the study the incidence density of VAP., Method: This descriptive study was carried out in 26 patients. The nursing interventions of interest were recorded daily. Furthermore, endotracheal tube cuff pressures and the degrees of elevation of HOB were measured 3 times a day. Compliance with the established protocols was considered good when it reached ≥80%. Cases of VAP were determined using CDC criteria. The incidence density was calculated including all the patients (122) with mechanical ventilation during the study period., Results: Good compliance with the established protocols was achieved for oral hygiene in 23 patients, for oropharyngeal suction and for turning in 19 patients, and in all patients for the evaluation of the tolerance of enteral nutrition. In 214 measurements endotracheal tube cuff pressure was ≥ 20cm H20 and in 121 lower. In 79 measurements elevation of HOB was ≥30° and in 256 lower. The incidence density of VAP was 7.43/ 1.000 days of mechanical ventilation., Conclusions: : For these nurse interventions aimed at preventing VAP, levels of compliance with established protocols were satisfactory. The incidence density of VAP was low and well within internationally established ranges. Nevertheless, the incidence of VAP could be further reduced with a better control of cuff pressures and by elevating the HOB to between 30° and 45°., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Training health care professionals on preventive measures of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) reduces the incidence of this serious adverse effect., Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the non-pharmacological, VAP preventive program by comparing the incidence of VAP in two periods: pre- and post- training of the nursing staff of the intensive care unit (ICU)., Material and Methods: A comparative, observational study on the incidence of VAP and related-risk factors. Two prevalence cutoffs were used: prior to training (from October 2007 to June 2008) and post-training (from October 2008 to April 2009). The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS v.15 statistical program, t-test or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and Chi-square or Fisher test for qualitative variables., Results: A total of 69 patients were included in the pre-training period and 71 in the post-training. Age and gender percentages were similar in both groups. There was a greater number of risk factor for VAP in the pre-training period that was statistically significant only in the case of diabetes (27.5% versus 8.4%; P=.004). There were no differences regarding the treatment administered to both groups or number of days in ICU or mechanical ventilation (MV) days. Decreased rate of 6.01 to 1.91 VAP/1.000 ventilator days in the post-training period., Conclusions: Preventive measures reduced the incidence of VAP in two samples of patients comparable in terms of risk factors. Nursing education is directly related to the results in patient safety., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess Southern European intensive care unit nurses' knowledge about evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia and to compare these findings with a pan-European perspective., Design: A sub-analysis from an observational study performed using a 9-questions, multiple-choice questionnaire performed during the period October 2006 - March 2007., Setting: Six Southern European countries, selected from 22 participant European countries., Participants: Volunteer nurses from intensive care units., Results: 3329 questionnaires were obtained, 1182 of them belonging to Southern European countries with a 75.8% response rate. Global average score was 45.1%, being it significantly better in the South of Europe (46.6%, P<.001). A linear multiple regression analysis showed that years of working experience (per class of increase) (B=0.154 ± (SD) 0.045) (95% CI (0.066-0.242))(p=0.001) and working in a smaller intensive care unit (B=-0.210 ± (SD) 0.059)((95% CI) -0.326-0.094)(P<.001) was independently associated with better test scores., Conclusions: Southern European critical care nurses' knowledge about ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention is poor, but significantly better than in the pan-European countries., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Mechanical ventilation is used in about one third of patients in intensive cares units (ICU). Ventilator Associated-Pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent infectious complication, affecting approximately 8 to 28% patients. Strategies to prevent the development of VAP are key factors in the management of ICU patients. There have been proposed several strategies to prevent VAP. One of these is oral hygiene with clorhexidine. We evaluated the effect of chlorhexidine on the prevention of VAP., Patients and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of oral hygiene on VAP prevention. A PubMed search was performed using the following keywords: "oral care OR oral hygiene OR chlorhexidine AND ventilator-associated pneumonia". An independent reviewer evaluated the studies according to the inclusion criteria and extracted the data., Results: A total of 120 articles were found, and 10 of them met the inclusion criteria. A lack of uniformity was appreciated in the application of chlorhexidine. There was a reduction in the risk of VAP in the chlorhexidine group versus control (OR: 0,56, 95% CI: 0,44-0,73). However, neither a reduction in mortality, nor a length of MV nor an ICU length of stay were seen., Conclusions: Oral hygiene with chlorhexidine in combination with other strategies for VAP prevention should be included in the patient's ICU care., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

The prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a priority in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To achieve this goal, clinical practice guidelines recommend the simultaneous application of a heterogeneous group of preventive measures of proven effectiveness. That is why we are presently seeing a reduction in VAP incidence to values previously considered unreachable. Better compliance with clinical practice guidelines has resulted in VAP rates approaching zero in multiple studies. Faced with the measures recommended in these guidelines, selective digestive decontamination (SDD), used together with other infection control practices, has shown efficacy in hospitals with high baseline incidence of pneumonia. However, its effectiveness in hospitals with good compliance of clinical practice guidelines and lower rates of VAP is highly unlikely. A serious drawback of DDS is the risk of favoring the selection of resistant microorganisms that can spread easily through the ICU and the hospital. With current standards of infection prevention, DDS is an unnecessary and risky measure, which should not be used on a widespread basis. Those situations in which the DDS may increase the effectiveness of properly implemented standard measures are still unknown., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the first cause of mortality due to nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit. Its incidence ranges from 9% to 67% of patients on mechanical ventilation. Risk factors are multiple and are associated with prolonged stays in hospital and intensive care units. Additional costs for each episode of VAP range from 9,000 euro to 31,000 euro. Thus, its prevention should be considered as a priority. This prevention could decrease associated morbidity, mortality, costs, and increase patient safety., (Copyright (c) 2009 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

A systematic revision of medical publications between 2006 and 2008 regarding bacterial infections that affect the critical patients was performed. Four subjects were selected: Community-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-related bloodstream infection and new antimicrobial treatments. When dealing with community-acquired pneumonia and due to the absence of completely reliable standards, it is necessary to follow the locally adapted guidelines of clinical practice, to identify patients related to the health-care system and admit patients to the ICU in accordance with the criteria. Regarding the etiological diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia, any microbiological information available must be used. Due to the risk of multidrug bacteria, combined empiric therapy should be initiated immediately and then mono-therapy adjusted to the antibiogram should be established. Already established measures for mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia and catheter-related bacteriemias, which have been effective, should be implemented. The empirical treatment of catheter-related bacteremia must be directed towards the most probable pathogens according to the puncture site. The most recently sold antibiotics are basically directed towards multidrug gram positive resistant bacteria. However, for the treatment of gram negative resistant bacilli, the use of the new antimicrobials must be combined with a new evaluation of the antibiotics that have been used for years and the possibility of choosing different administration forms.

Infection prevention is an intervention opportunity to promote patient safety. The strategies to obtain the full implementation of available prevention measures is the main challenge in clinical practice. Using care bundles, continuing education and feedback on adherence to the measures proposed are key points to improve the safety of patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is a prophylactic strategy whose objective is to reduce the incidence of infections, mainly mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia in patients who require intensive cares, preventing or eradicating the oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal carrier state of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Fifty-four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 9 meta-analysis have evaluated SDD. Thirty eight RCTs show a significant reduction of the infections and 4 of mortality. All the meta-analyses show a significant reduction of the infections and 5 out of the 9 meta-analyses report a significant reduction in mortality. Thus, 5 patients from the ICU with SDD must be treated to prevent pneumonia and 12 patients from the ICU should be treated to prevent one death. The data that show benefit of the SDD on mortality have an evidence grade 1 or recommendation grade A (supported by at least two level 1 investigations). The aim of this review is to explain the pathogeny of infections in critical patients, describe selective digestive decontamination, analyze the evidence available on it efficacy and the potential adverse effects and discuss the reasons published by the experts who advise against the use of SDD, even though it is recognized as the best intervention evaluated in intensive cares to reduce morbidity and mortality of the infections.