American Burn Association Practice guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in burn patients

Abstract

The purpose of this guideline is to review the available published literature on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) as it pertains to the burn patient. It provides an evidence-based recommendation for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of VAP in adult burn patients. This guideline is designed to assist all healthcare providers caring for adult burn patients with suspected VAP. Summary recommendations were made using the following grading scale: grade A--supported by at least one well-designed prospective trial with clear-cut results; grade B--supported by several small prospective trials with a similar conclusion; and grade C--supported by a single small prospective trial, retrospective analyses, cases studies, and expert opinions based on investigators' practices.