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Communicable diseases

Ventilator-Associated Infections Remain a Leading Cause of Mortality in Intensive Care Units

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a significant study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases, researchers from the University of Health Sciences in Turkey have reported on the prevalence and risk factors associated with ventilator-associated events (VAE) in intubated patients. The study, which was conducted at 15 centers with active prospective surveillance of VAE, found that VAE is a common complication in intubated patients and is associated with a high mortality rate.

The research team, led by Esma Eryilmaz Eren, analyzed data from 1018 patients and found that 185 VAE episodes developed, resulting in a mortality rate of 59.6%. The study identified several risk factors for VAE, including a high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on admission, the presence of a tracheostomy, and antibiotic use within the previous 90 days. The study also found that patients with a high SOFA score, tracheostomy, and antibiotic use in the last 90 days were at increased risk of developing VAE.

The study's findings have significant implications for patient care and prevention of VAE in intubated patients. The researchers concluded that prevention of VAE in intubated patients is crucial for patient survival and that efforts should focus on reducing the risk factors identified in the study.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ventilator-associated events (VAE) are a common complication in intubated patients, with a mortality rate of 59.6%.
  • A high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on admission, the presence of a tracheostomy, and antibiotic use within the previous 90 days are risk factors for VAE.
  • Patients with a high SOFA score, tracheostomy, and antibiotic use in the last 90 days are at increased risk of developing VAE.
  • Prevention of VAE in intubated patients is crucial for patient survival.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline 2015 update was used for the definition of VAE.

Statistics:

  • 185 VAE episodes developed in 174 of the 1018 patients included in the study.
  • The VAE incidence per 1000 mechanical ventilation days was 5.3 (VAC: 2.33, IVAC-plus: 6.0, IVAC: 1.3, PVAP: 4.7).
  • The mortality rate was 59.6% in ventilated patients.
  • The age greater than 63 years (OR: 1.75; CI: 1.26-2.42), a SOFA score greater than 5 on admission (OR: 2.00; CI: 1.47-1.46), a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR: 1.08; CI: 1.02-1.13), being a medical-type patient (OR: 1.54; CI: 1.06-2.21), healthcare-associated infections (OR: 2.01; CI: 1.39-2.88), and the occurrence of VAE (OR: 2.21; CI: 1.04-4.70) were identified as risk factors for mortality.

Sources:

  • BMC Infectious Diseases, 2025;25(1):1363.
  • University of Health Sciences, Turkey.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline 2015 update.

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