Complicanze associate alla ventilazione assistita: proposta per una nuova strategia di sorveglianza

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia are the most common Infections of the Healthcare Organizations (IHO) in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Surveillance is essential for the control of IHO; to be effective, it must be based on an objective and accepted definition. The definition of VAP proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is complex and subjective. Recently, Klompas has proposed a definition of VAP based on a modification of CDC’s criteria, suggesting also to include the monitoring of the Ventilator Associated Complications (VAC), defined as an alteration of respiratory parameters FiO2 and PEEP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a VAP/VAC surveillance program in the ICUs of a teaching hospital in Central Italy. The new surveillance strategy has been successfully implemented; the proposed monitoring tool has been shared and accepted. The inclusion of VAC in the surveillance system, was useful and has facilitated data collection thanks to an objective definition.