Ventilator-associated pneumonia in children
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a severe complication occurring in patients on mechanical ventilation and resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates and longer length of intensive care unit stay. In spite of the current diagnostic and treatment methods, the incidence of VAP remains rather high and ranges from 18 to 26%. Its risk factors and pathogenesis have been inadequately studied in children, in newborn infants in particular. Also, there are no clear diagnostic criteria or unified treatment protocols in pediatric intensive care units patients. The acute urgency of the problem necessitates further investigations to identify risk factors, possible prevention, and elaboration of treatment and diagnostic algorithms. This literature review gives an update on VAP in children.