Prevención no farmacológica de la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the first cause of mortality due to nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit. Its incidence ranges from 9% to 67% of patients on mechanical ventilation. Risk factors are multiple and are associated with prolonged stays in hospital and intensive care units. Additional costs for each episode of VAP range from 9,000 y to 31,000 €. Thus, its prevention should be considered as a priority. This prevention could decrease associated morbidity, mortality, costs, and increase patient safety.