A study of ventilator: Associated pneumonia cases in pediatric intensive care unit

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia refers to bacterial pneumonia developed in patients who have been mechanically ventilated for duration of more than 48 hours. The present study was conducted to evaluate cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia in pediatrics department. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 26 children age ranged 1- 16 years of both genders. In all patients, the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care and the duration of hospital stay were recorded. Results: Out of 26, males were 12 and females were 14. Days on ventilator were 15 days in 17, position was supine in 6 and semi- recumbent in 20, patients were conscious and drowsy in 5 and stuporous and comatose in 21. 23 survived and 3 expired. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is major cause of mortality and morbidity in pediatrics. 3 patients died while 23 survived from ventilator-associated pneumonia.