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Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) increases the length of hospitalization and mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the effect of propolis mouthwash on the incidence of VAP in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Materials and methods: Triple-blind, comparative randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted over one year, with 110 ICU patients at Imam-Hossein and Bahar hospitals (Shahroud) and Kowsar Hospital (Semnan) in Iran. The intervention group used 15 cc of 0.06% propolis mouthwash solution twice daily at 8 AM and 4 PM for seven days. The control group used 15 cc of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash at the same times and duration. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, APACHE II, Beck Oral Assessment Scale, and Modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (MCPIS). Results: There was no significant difference in demographic information, disease severity, and oral health between the two groups before and after intervention (P > 0.05). The incidence of VAP in the intervention group compared to the control group was 10.9% vs. 30.9% on the third day (P = 0.0166, 95% CI: 0.53–0.83 and RR = 0.35), 23.6% vs. 43.6% on the fifth day (P = 0.0325 and 95% CI: 0.31–0.95 and RR = 0.54), and 25.5% vs. 47.3% on the seventh day (P = 0.0224, 95% CI: 0.32–0.92, and RR = 0.54). The Mann–Whitney indicated the incidence of VAP was significantly lower in the intervention group on the third, fifth, and seventh days. Conclusion: Propolis mouthwash can be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash for ICU patients. Clinical relevance: Propolis mouthwash serves as a simple, economical intervention to potentially reduce incidence of VAP. Trial registration: (IRCT20110427006318N12, date 02.04.2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surveillance data on multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is either insufficient or lacking for many countries. • Existing data suggests, the prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa VAP is generally high (33%). • The prevalence rates of MDR P. aeruginosa VAP are highly variable across the world. • MDR P. aeruginosa VAP cases appear to be steeply increasing in recent years. • A global comprehensive surveillance for P. aeruginosa resistance is warranted. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the global prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The systematic search was conducted in four databases. Original studies describing MDR P. aeruginosa VAP prevalence in adults from 2012- 2022 were included. A meta-analysis, using the random effects model, was conducted for overall, subgroups (country, published year, study duration, and study design), and European data, respectively. Univariate meta-regression based on pooled estimates was also conducted. Systematic review registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42022384035). In total of 31 studies, containing a total of 7951 cases from 16 countries, were included. The overall pooled prevalence of MDR among P. aeruginosa causing VAP was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.7-38.3%). The highest prevalence was for Iran at 87.5% (95% CI 69-95.7%), and the lowest was for the USA at 19.7% (95% CI 18.6-20.7%). The European prevalence was 29.9% (95% CI 23.2-36.7%). This review indicates that the prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa in patients with VAP is generally high and varies significantly between countries; however, data are insufficient for many countries. The data in this study can provide a reference for VAP management and drug customisation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is one of the main pathogens, causing pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, especially in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed to approve the hypothesis that the serogroup distribution of L. pneumophila isolates from patients is correlated with Legionella strains in the environment. A total of 280 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from VAP patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) as well as 116 water samples from different sources in four hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were evaluated for the presence of L. pneumophila infection by culture, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, and sequencing for genetic diversity. The molecular and culture methods found 24 (8.6%) and 5 (1.8%) samples to be positive for L. pneumophila in VAP patients, while they found 23 (19.8%) and 8 (6.9%) positive samples in water resources, respectively. The sequencing results indicated that all positive clinical samples and 14 (60.8%) environmental samples were belonged to L. pneumophila serogroup 1. Smoking, age, length of ICU stay, and duration of ventilator use had strong relationship with L. pneumophila infectivity. In conclusion, this is the first report from Iran to determine minor differences in the serogroup distribution of environmental and clinical strains. However, further studies are needed to confirm this relationship in different regions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at risk for superadded infections, especially infections caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of MDR infections, including infections caused by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), was very high in Iran. This study is aimed at assessing the genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance pattern, and biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from patients with COVID-19 and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, seventy K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from seventy patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the ICU of Shahid Beheshti hospital, Kashan, Iran, from May to September, 2020. K. pneumoniae was detected through the ureD gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and biofilm was detected using the microtiter plate assay method. Genetic diversity was also analyzed through polymerase chain reaction based on enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR). The BioNumerics software (v. 8.0, Applied Maths, Belgium) was used for analyzing the data and drawing dendrogram and minimum spanning tree. Findings. K. pneumoniae isolates had varying levels of resistance to antibiotics meropenem (80.4%), cefepime-aztreonam-piperacillin/tazobactam (70%), tobramycin (61.4%), ciprofloxacin (57.7%), gentamicin (55.7%), and imipenem (50%). Around 77.14% of isolates were MDR, and 42.8% of them formed biofilm. Genetic diversity analysis revealed 28 genotypes (E1–E28) and 74.28% of isolates were grouped into ten clusters (i.e., clusters A–J). Clusters were further categorized into three major clusters, i.e., clusters E, H, and J. Antimicrobial resistance to meropenem, tobramycin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin in cluster J was significantly higher than cluster H, denoting significant relationship between ERIC clusters and antimicrobial resistance. However, there was no significant difference among major clusters E, H, and J respecting biofilm formation. Conclusion. K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from patients with COVID-19 have high antimicrobial resistance, and 44.2% of them have genetic similarity and can be clustered in three major clusters. There is a significant difference among clusters respecting antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The purpose of this study was to investigate and predict ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the two groups of patients who received either proton pump inhibitors (Pantoprazole) or histamine H2 antagonist (Ranitidine). Methods: Patients in ICU received Pantoprazole or Ranitidine as stress-related mucosal injury and GI bleeding prophylaxis. The incidence rate of VAP and GI bleeding was estimated in each group during ICU stay. Chi-Square and Multivariate Logistic Regression Test were used for data analysis. P.value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Data analysis was performed through SPSS version 19.0. Results: The incidence rate of VAP in the Ranitidine and Pantoprazole groups was 44.7% and 37.3% respectively (p=0.3). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, length of mechanical ventilation ≥ 4 days was a predictive factor for VAP only in the Pantoprazole group (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.56-1.90, p=0.006). No relationship between GI bleeding incidence and stress ulcer prophylaxis was found (p=0.4). Kaplan-Meier curve showed no significant difference between the two groups of Ranitidine and Pantoprazole (p=0.4) in survival time according to the length of ICU stay. Conclusion: According to the results, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of VAP, GI bleeding and stress ulcer. Due to the lower cost of Ranitidine, it may be a more appropriate choice for GI bleeding prophylaxis in ICU patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common infection in intensive care units (ICUs), with the highest mortality rate of all hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to improve the quality of VAP control in the ICU of a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Kouhdasht, Iran. Materials and Methods: This action research was conducted during 2016-2018. The survey data of 18 participants, who were included in the study using the non-probability sampling method, were evaluated. Qualitative data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis, and descriptive indices and t-test were measured to analyze quantitative data. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative data were integrated. This research was developed and implemented in four stages, including assessment and identification of priorities for improvement, design of action plans, implementation of action plans, and reassessment. Data were collected by analyzing 540 performance observations, 55 interviews, six focused group discussions, and two steering group discussions. Results: The mean scores of VAP control before and after implementing the action plans were 259.33±21.64 and 395.16±13.90, respectively (P<0.001). The qualitative findings indicated that the low quality of the personnel's working life and poor organizational culture were the main barriers to the quality improvement of VAP control. Improvement was achieved after implementing the action plans for enhancing the nurses' quality of working life and realization of their professional identity. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that effective approaches, such as personnel empowerment, improvement of environmental conditions, and provision of facilities and equipment can improve the quality of VAP control in ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prophylaxis against stress ulcer in mechanically ventilated patients is one of the causes for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Our aim was evaluating the effect of intravenous pantoprazole and ranitidine in the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with at least 48 h of expected mechanical ventilation were allocated randomly to receive either 50 mg ranitidine (R) every 8 h or 40 mg pantoprazole (P) every 12 h intravenously from admission. VAP diagnosis was according to the Clinical Pneumonia Infection Score and positive culture. Results: Eighty-six patients during a 15-month period were analyzed; the study showed a low difference between VAP incidence in the ranitidine and pantoprazole groups. No significant difference was observed in terms of gastrointestinal bleeding, intensive care unit, hospital length of stay, and mortality between the groups. Conclusion: VAP incidence is hardly related to the type of stress ulcer prophylaxis agent with a high rate of VAP and low utilization of VAP prophylaxis bundle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents is one of the most important factors in inducing resistance and prolonged hospitalization as well as increase in patient mortality rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate aminoglycosides (AGs) usage pattern at intensive care units (ICUs) of Nemazee hospital Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the usage pattern of AGs was evaluated during 32 months. Guidelines for AGs usage were approved by the drug and therapeutic committee of the hospital, and criteria were developed to assess 11 parameters involving AGs therapy, such as proper indication for the use of the drug, dosage and duration of therapy. Clinical parameters, such as microbial culture and sensitivity, serum creatinine (SCr) and creatinine clearance, and white blood cell count were evaluated. Results: Ninety-five patients were recruited, 50 male and 45 females. In most patients (64%) the origin of infection was hospital and only in 36% of them, community was the source. Ventilator associated pneumonia (27%), central nervous system (25%) and urinary tract infection (10%) were the most important indications for AGs prescription. Scores of AGs usage at Nemazee hospital was calculated as 5.9 out of 11, which meant that in only 54% of cases AGs prescription was based on guideline proposed by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy of Nemazee Hospital. Conclusions: Non-adherence to the guidelines occurred frequently in the ICUs of Nemazee hospital. Prescription of loading dose, and AGs level measurement were not done and evaluating microbiological data was often neglected. Incorporating pharmacists in the health care team and holding training programs for physicians and nurses with the goal of raising awareness about the proposed guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the important causes of nosocomial infection worldwide. Patients who use ventilator are in high risk of ventilator association pneumonia (VAP) caused by nosocomial pathogens such as A. baumannii. Carbapenem is one of the last lines of antibiotic therapy in MDR A. baumannii infections. Then, carbapenem resistant strains are a very important challenge for physicians. OXA types carbapenemase enzymes are important mechanisms to carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii. The aim of this study was to determine oxa-23 and oxa-48 producing A. baumannii isolated from VAP. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 sputum specimens from VAP in hospitalized patients in Hazrat-E-Rasul Hospital, Tehran, Iran were used. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done after identification according to CLSI 2018. DNA extraction was done by boiling assay and oxa-23 and oxa-48 genes were detected by PCR. Thirty- two (63%) A. baumannii were confirmed according to microbiological and biochemical tests. Results: The highest resistance was observed against Piperacillin, Cefotaxime, Ciprofloxacin and Ceftazidime with 97% antibiotic resistance, and ampicillin/Sulbactam was the most effective antibiotic (78% sensitivity). Generally, 31 isolates of A. baumannii harbored the oxa-23 gene and none of them had oxa-48. The high prevalence of MDR A. baumannii in VAP is a great problem, especially for the nosocomial infection committee in hospitals. Conclusion: Rapid detection of MDR and carbapenemase producing strains can be the first step in preventing their spread in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colistin and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Col-CRKP) represent a significant and constantly growing threat to global public health. We report here an outbreak of Col-CRKP infections during the fifth wave of COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: The outbreak occurred in an intensive care unit with 22 beds at a teaching university hospital, Isfahan, Iran. We collected eight Col-CRKP strains from seven patients and characterized these strains for their antimicrobial susceptibility, determination of hypermucoviscous phenotype, capsular serotyping, molecular detection of virulence and resistance genes. Clonal relatedness of the isolates was performed using MLST., Results: The COVID-19 patients were aged 24-75 years with at least 50% pulmonary involvement and were admitted to the intensive care unit. They all had superinfection caused by Col-CRKP, and poor responses to antibiotic treatment and died. With the exception of one isolate that belonged to the ST11, all seven representative Col-CRKP strains belonged to the ST16. Of these eight isolates, one ST16 isolate carried the iucA and ybtS genes was identified as serotype K20 hypervirulent Col-CRKP. The bla SHV and bla NDM-1 genes were the most prevalent resistance genes, followed by bla OXA-48 and bla CTX-M-15 and bla TEM genes. Mobilized colistin-resistance genes were not detected in the isolates., Conclusions: The continual emergence of ST16 Col-CRKP strains is a major threat to public health worldwide due to multidrug-resistant and highly transmissible characteristics. It seems that the potential dissemination of these clones highlights the importance of appropriate monitoring and strict infection control measures to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria in hospitals., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The current study conducted to estimate VAP incidence, attributable mortality and case fatality rate, cost, so related factors can affect the outcome in patients. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive longitudinal study, demographic, clinical and para-clinical data were collected and attributable mortality and case fatality rate was estimated. Multivariable analysis was done to predict the possible risk factors on the outcome of VAP patients. Also, patients' survival curve was plotted based on their length of ICU stay. Finally, the additional cost due to VAP in ICU was estimated. Results: Totally, 8% ICU admissions were affected by VAP and 4% expired during the ICU stay. Further, the attributable mortality rate of VAP was high as compared with standard mortality rate. The most case fatality rate was for Acinetobacter sp. (n=17 60.7%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age greater than 40 years, more than 96 hours mechanical ventilation and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus were predictor factors of higher mortality. Inverse association between survival time and ICU length of stay was reported. Finally, the additional cost of VAP was estimated of about 700 US$ per patients. Conclusion: According to the results, strategies to prevent mortality by reducing the duration of ventilation and ICU length of stay should be performed. Also, mandatory fees for the family and the healthcare system should be planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Iranian critical care nurses on the barriers to ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention in intensive care units. Background: Most patients hospitalized in intensive care units need mechanical ventilation. One of the most prevalent and serious complications of mechanical ventilation is ventilator‐associated pneumonia. There are different barriers to the prevention of this kind of pneumonia. Design: Qualitative descriptive design was used. Methods: In this qualitative study, 23 critical care nurses were recruited via purposive sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were done for data collection. The interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed word by word, and analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach. Results: The barriers to the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia fell into three main categories, namely nurses’ limited professional competence, unfavorable environmental conditions, and passive human resource management. The 10 subcategories of these main categories were unfavorable professional attitude, limited professional knowledge, low job motivation, limited professional accountability, non‐standard physical structure, inadequate or inappropriate equipment, heavy workload, staff shortage, inadequate staff training, and ineffective supervision. Conclusion: The barriers to the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intensive care units are very diverse and complex and include a wide range of interrelated personal, environmental, and organizational barriers. Relevance to clinical practice: This study created a better understanding of the barriers to ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention. Moreover, highlighted the importance of sufficient resources, adequate staffing level, and contextually‐appropriate evidence‐based guidelines for effective ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate antibiotic resistance pattern of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) generating microorganisms, and quantitative culture and determining antibiotic sensitivity. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 50 patients suffering from VAP in intensive care unit of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol, Iran during 2014–2015. VAP was probable for them based on clinical signs and the criteria of Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score standards. Lower respiratory samples were given under bronchoalveolar lavage and quantitative culture was done on them. Afterwards by microdilution method, minimal inhibitory concentration based on respective microorganisms, considering clinical pulmonary infection score were determined. Results: From 50 investigated samples in this study, the most common microorganisms were Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) (70%) then Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%), Staphylococcus aureus (8%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (3%). In our study A. baumannii showed approximate 100% resistance to all antibiotics, in a way that A. baumannii resistance to imipenem and meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam each was 97.1%. The most resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 66.7% to each cefepime and ceftazidime and clavulanate/ticarcillin. Staphylococcus aureus showed 75% resistance to nafcillin, cloxacillin and resistance in case of vancomycin was not seen. Conclusion: In current study, A. baumannii had the most prevalence among VAP and this species is resistant to most of antibiotics. Using ceftazidime, cefepime and clavulanate/ticarcillin, in treatment of the patients suffering VAP is not reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may lead to inappropriate empiric antimicrobial treatment and poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate MDR pathogens' effect on the VAP patients in order to improve the treatment choice and outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied a collection of 132 VAP patients that confirmed the characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of pneumonia. MDR VAP patients were also compared with non-MDR VAP patients. Results: MDR and non-MDR pathogens were found in 96 (72.7%) and 36 (27.3%) of the patients, respectively. The most common organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae and the most fatal MDR pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. The MDR VAP was found to be associated with an increased length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), increased hospital stay, and longer intubation time. No statistically significant association was found between prior antimicrobial use and MDR-VAP The mortality rate of MDR VAPs was significantly higher than non-MDR VAPs. Conclusion: Discharging patients from ICU and hospital and extubation of the patients as early as possible are two important interventions for prevention of MDR-VAP Regarding prior antimicrobial use, no significant difference was observed between MDR and non-MDR VAPs. Administration of empiric antibiotic therapy seems to have a protective effect, decreasing mortality without evidence of contributing to multi-drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nosocomial infection is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. Detection of infection, identify the etiology of bacterial antibiotic resistance pattern, is necessary given the widespread use of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant organisms. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 288 patients admitted to the Beheshti Hospitals in Kashan based on NNIS definitions according to the state of Health and Medical education. In this study infections and antibiotic resistance symptoms were found. Data analyses were performed with Chi-square test. Results: Among the 288 patients studied, with mean out of hospital infection was 0.80%. Most cases of infection associated were pneumonia. The highest rates of infection were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with 51.7%. Nosocomial infection in ICU wards was associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The most common types were ventilator-associated pneumonia. Among the microorganisms, negative Gram was seen more. The common pathogens were including Acinetobacter, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella. Antimicrobial resistance was generally increasing and had emerged from selective pressure from antibiotic use and transmission through health staff. Conclusion: This study showed a correlation between antibiotic use and resistance of microorganisms is significant. Hence, it seems that reducing aggressive acts and conduct hygiene education and monitoring act of antibiotics is necessary to prevent antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) is a common cause of mortality and morbidity in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical course, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial agents of VAT in ICUs in Hamedan, Iran. Methods: During a 12-month period, all patients with VAT in a medical and a surgical ICU were included. The criteria for the diagnosis of VAT were fever, mucus production, a positive culture of tracheal secretions, and the absence of lung infiltration. Clinical course, including changes in temperature and tracheal secretions, and outcomes were followed. The endotracheal aspirates were cultured on blood agar and chocolate agar, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates were performed using the disk diffusion method. Results: Of the 1 070 ICU patients, 69 (6.4%) were diagnosed with VAT. The mean interval between the patient's intubation and the onset of symptoms was 4.7±8.5 days. The mean duration of response to treatment was 4.9±4.7 days. A total of 23 patients (33.3%) progressed to ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP), and 38 patients (55.0%) died. The most prevalent bacterial isolates included Acinetobacter baumannii (24.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.2%), and Enterobacter (13.0%). P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter were the most prevalent bacteria in surgical ICU, and A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae were the most common in the medical ICU. All A. baumannii and Citrobacter species were multidrug-resistant (MDR). MDR pathogens were more prevalent in medical ICU compared to surgical ICU (p < 0.001). Conclusions: VAT increases the rates of progression to VAP, the need for tracheostomy, and the incidence of mortality in ICUs. Most bacterial agents of VAT are MDR. Preventive policies for VAP, including the use of ventilator care bundle, and appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy for VAT may reduce the incidence of VAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most important causes of mortality in intubated traumatic patients admitted in ICU. The aim of current study was to determine correlation between blood products transfusion with incidence of VAP in traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation in ICU. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective descriptive-analytical study. Current study was carried out on traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation admitted to Imam Khomeini hospital ICU wards of Sari city, from September 2015 to September 2016. In addition to demographic data, patients' clinical information were daily recorded. Results: Of total of 2304 patients admitted to ICU, 186 traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation longer than 48 hours were reviewed and analyzed. Among patients infected with VAP, 36 persons(87.8%) had transfusion of blood products before VAP incidence. Blood products transfusion (before and / or after 48 hours) had the highest adjusted risk ratio in the incidence of VAP (Odds ratio; OR=3.58). Also, amount of injected Packed Red Blood Cells and platelet were significantly higher in patients infected with VAP (p<0.005). Conclusion: Considering remarkable increase in incidence of VAP following blood products transfusion and its correlation with injected PRBC and platelet, considering these modifiable risk factors for controlling and preventing the incidence of VAP in traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation in ICU is necessary and reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of lung infection that typically affects critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this analysis is to determine potential association between zinc supplementation with the occurrence of VAP in adult mechanically ventilated trauma patients. Subjects and Methods: This secondary analysis of a prospective observational study was carried out over a period of 1 year in ICUs of one teaching hospital in Iran. A total of 186 adults mechanically ventilated trauma patients, who required at least 48 h of MV and received zinc sulfate supplement (n = 82) or not (n = 104) during their ICU stay, were monitored for the occurrence of VAP until their discharge from the ICU or death. Results: Forty-one of 186 patients developed VAP, 29.09 days after admission (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.27-31.9). The overall incidence of VAP was 18.82 cases per 1000 days of intubation (95% CI: 13.86-25.57). Patients who received zinc sulfate supplement have smaller hazard of progression to VAP than others (hazard ratio: 0.318 [95% CI: 0.138-0.732]; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The findings show that zinc supplementation may be associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of VAP in adult mechanically ventilated trauma patients. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of this potential preventive modality are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of lung infection that typically affects critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are considered to be more susceptible to several types of infections including community-acquired pneumonia. However, it is not clear whether T2DM is a risk factor for the development of VAP. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of VAP for diabetic and nondiabetic mechanically ventilated trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of the history of T2DM in the ICU over a period of 1 year at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Iran. A total of 186 critically ill trauma patients who required at least 48 h of MV were monitored for the occurrence of VAP by their clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) until ICU discharge, VAP diagnosis, or death. Results: Forty-one of the 186 patients developed VAP. The median time from hospitalization to VAP was 29.09 days (95% CI: 26.27-31.9). The overall incidence of VAP was 18.82 cases per 1,000 days of intubation (95% CI: 13.86-25.57). Risk of VAP in diabetic patients was greater than nondiabetic patients after adjustments for other potential factors [hazard ratio (HR): 10.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1-20.2); P < 0.0001)]. Conclusion: The findings show that T2DM is associated with a significant increase in the occurrence of VAP in mechanically ventilated adult trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Ventilator associated pneumonia is one of the most common hospital infections. We investigated the prevalence and microbial agents and outcome in patients who was admitted to the medical intensive care unit of Rohani Hospital. Materials & Methods: This prospective descriptive study is performed in one year from October 2009 to October 2010 in MICU patients that their tracheal intubation time was more than 48 hours. Patients that died in less than 24 hours were excluded. Diagnosis of VAP was based on CPIS. The type of microbes found in the laboratory according to standard biochemical methods. Age and Sex, cause of admission, GCS, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay ,APACHE score and their outcome related to patients with VAP and without VAP were recorded. The results were statistically analyzed with SPSS software, and P less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Totally, 134 patients were enrolled. VAP developed in 37 patients (27.6%), in which 18 patients died (48.6%). In 100 cases without VAP, 42 cases died (43.2%). Average length of stay in VAP and Non-VAP was 34.86 days and, 9.48 days respectively. The incidence of VAP was 21 cases per 1,000 days of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the incidence of VAP in the MICU is somewhat high, and it requires immediate attention due to prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common cause of nosocomial infection in the intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for early-onset VAP in Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital during 2009-2010. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized for more than 48 hours in three intensive care units of Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital. After a 96-hour follow up period, VAP was diagnosed using the "Modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score". Results: Invasive ventilation was prescribed for all patients. Main reasons for indication of mechanical ventilation were respiratory disorders and decreased level of consciousness. The VAP incidence rate was 19% (4 women and 15 men). There were 3 groups of risk factors (patient-related, procedure-related and personnel-related). Among the patient-related risk factors, there was a significant difference between the age (P=0.036), GCS (P=0.001) and the onset of VAP; in the procedure-related group there was a significant difference between the therapist who inserts a catheter (P=0.01) and the positioning of the patient's head in 30 (P=0.02) and also the onset of VAP; in the personnel-related group, there was a significant difference between the oral care (P=0.02) and personnel education on infection control (P=0.002) and VAP. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, providing training for staff and comprehensive oral care are recommended in the mechanically ventilated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference in clinical outcomes between closed and open designs of intensive care units (ICUs) is still an open question. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare total mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS) and mortality as primary outcomes, and severity of illness based on physiological variables, organ failure assessment, age, duration of mechanical ventilation and ventilator-associated pneumonia frequency as secondary outcomes in closed and open ICUs. Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane database, Iran-doc and Elm-net according to the MeSH terms were searched from 1988 to October 2019. The standardised mean difference (SMD), relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to display summary statistics of primary and secondary outcomes. A total of 90 studies with 444,042 participants were analysed. ICU mortality (RR: 1.16, CI: 1.07–1.27, p < 0.001), hospital mortality (RR: 1.12, CI: 1.03–1.22, p = 0.010) and ICU LOS (SMD: 0.43, CI: 0.01−0.85, p = 0.040) were significantly higher in open ICUs. Total mortality (RR: 0.91, CI: 0.77–1.08, p = 0.28) and hospital LOS (SMD: 1.14, CI: 1.31–3.59, p = 0.36) showed no significant difference between the two types of ICU. The secondary outcome measures were also comparable between the two ICU formats (p > 0.05). The results demonstrated superiority of closed versus open ICUs in hospital and ICU mortality rates and ICU LOS, with no difference in total mortality, hospital LOS or severity of illness parameters. The superiority of the closed ICU format may be a result of the intensivist-led patient care and should therefore be implemented by clinicians to decrease ICU mortality rates and LOS for critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Given the increasing number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation in emergency departments in recent years, prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia is very important. Nurses play a significant role in prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. This study aimed to determine the emergency nurses knowledge about prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia., Methods: The present descriptive study was conducted in Iran, from July to October 2018. All the nurses with at least a bachelor degree, who are working in two emergency departments of two teaching hospitals, were asked to participate in this study. The "knowledge about ventilator-associated pneumonia" questionnaire consisting of 9 items was used to assess the knowledge of nurses. The results were analyzed using SPSS-16., Results: In total, 53 nurses participated in this study. The mean score of correct answers of nurses to these 9 items was 4.4 ± 1.6. Nurses give the most correct answer to the item about patient's position on the bed so as to reduce the risk of pneumonia with a correct answer of 72.9%. The least correct answer was also given to the item about how humidifier was changed with a correct answer of 1.9%. None of the nurses participating in the study were able to answer all the items correctly. The mean score of knowledge of nurses who had participated in workshops about taking care of patients on mechanical ventilation was significantly higher than those who had not participated in such workshops (4.8 vs. 3.8) (p = 0.045). The mean score of knowledge in nurses who were familiar with the international guidelines for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention was significantly higher than those who were not familiar with such guidelines (5.1 vs. 4.1) (p = 0.045)., Conclusion: Emergency nurses participated in this study had inadequate knowledge about the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Nurse's knowledge affected by participation in related workshop and familiarity with ventilator-associated pneumonia guidelines. Considering the importance of this issue, it is necessary to improve the knowledge of the emergency nurses in this matter by holding training courses., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Mechanically ventilated children are prone to pneumonia due to immobilization and lack of laryngeal (cough) reflex and swallowing. Nurses are directly responsible for many clinical approaches used to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia., Objective: The research objective is to determine the effectiveness of the nurse education program on the performance of nurses in providing oral care for mechanically ventilated children., Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted on 100 nurses (50 in each of the control and intervention groups) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in Tehran, 2015. The research tools included a demographic form and three checklists for evaluation of performance according to the clinical practice guidelines for the oral health status of children in PICU. Before intervention, the performance of nurses in both groups was observed at three stages and three different shifts, using an observational checklist. After one month, their performance was observed again with the same checklist at three stages and three different shifts in the PICU. The training was done in four 40-50 minute sessions in a workshop with a 4-week follow-up. The Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test, independent t-test, and regression analysis comprised the tools used to analyze the data., Findings: The mean performance scores of nurses before the education program in the intervention and control groups were 42.8 (±18.5) and 48.7 (±15.7), respectively. These scores improved to 68.6 (±31.4) and 48.6 (±15.4) four weeks after the intervention (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The performance of nurses in providing oral care for mechanically ventilated children improved after the intervention. It is recommended to implement this program for all nurses, regardless of their ward or specialty, based on the clinical practice guidelines. The periodic refreshing in-service training program should be provided to nurses in PICU in order to enhance their performance in providing oral care., (Copyright © 2018 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the intensive care unit nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention at Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS) hospitals, Guilan Province, northern Iran., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 219 nurses working in 14 intensive care units at 11 Guilan hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of three parts of demographic information, nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of VAP, and the barrier for the implementation of these guidelines., Results: Of the 219 nurses, 171 (response rate 78.1%) participated in this study, and their mean knowledge score was 4.6. There was no significant relation between nurses' knowledge score and their work experience (P = 0.327), education degree (P = 0.189), and their position (P = 0.168)., Conclusion: The level of knowledge regarding VAP prevention seems inadequate in this study. Although having knowledge about the principles of evidence-based care cannot guarantee the implementation of these principles, lack of knowledge may be a potential barrier to adherence to evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of VAP., (© 2016 Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)