to assess the efficacy of subglottic aspiration in prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of subglottic aspiration in prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 120 patients hospitalized for critical illness of both genders. They were divided into 2 groups of 60 each. Group I (n = 60) patients were intubated with HiLo™ Evac endotracheal tube with sub-glottic secretion suction. Group II patients (n = 60) were intubated with HiLo™ Contour endotracheal tube without such facility. Presence of VAP day of onset of VAP after instituting mechanical ventilation, length of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and mortality was recorded. Results: Incidence of VAP in group I was 4.2 days and in group II was 10 days. Ventilator days (at onset of VAP) in group I was 7.12 and in group II was 8.45, length of ICU stay (at onset of VAP) in group I was 8.45 and in group II was 6.24, total ventilator days in group I was 6.12 and in group II was 8.22, mortality was 11 in group I and 25 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that intermittent sub-glottic suctioning reduces the incidence of VAP including late-onset VAP.