The value of routine microbial investigation in ventilator-associated pneumonia

摘要

The use of microbiologic investigations in routine clinical practice, their value in guiding antibiotic prescription, and their influence on outcome were prospectively studied in 113 consecutive adults who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Blood cultures were performed in 78.7/100 of cases, protected specimen brushing in 95.5/100, and bronchoalveolar lavage in only 45.1/100. No caus- ative agent was identified in 13 episodes (11.5/100), and results of microbial tests directed a change in therapy in 43 (38.0/100).