Ventilator-associated pneumonia: risk factors and patient mortality

Abstract

Among critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection. Although VAP has a high mortality rate, it is unknown whether patients die from VAP or underlying illness. This article reviews the association between VAP and mortality, and discusses whether prevention of VAP will improve the outcome of mechanically ventilated patients.