EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF SELECTIVE DIGESTIVE TRACT DECONTAMINATION IN PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant nosocomial infection in critically ill patients, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The incidence of VAP in intensive care units (ICUs) ranges from 7% to 40%, with mortality rates potentially exceeding 50%¹. Recent studies highlight that VAP affects approximately 27% of all critically ill patients, with 86% of these infections associated with mechanical ventilation. The attributable mortality of VAP varies, with some studies reporting an increase in mortality of up to 27%³. Pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are linked to higher mortality rates⁴. Beyond mortality, VAP significantly extends ICU length of stay and increases healthcare costs⁵. The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in VAP pathogenesis, as it often becomes colonized with Gram-negative bacteria during critical illness⁶. Interventions such as selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), stress ulcer prophylaxis with sucralfate, and enteral feeding strategies are employed to reduce VAP incidence. While SDD has been shown to decrease VAP incidence and may positively impact mortality, it also poses a risk of promoting Gram-positive bacterial infections. SDD involves the use of non-absorbable antibiotics applied topically to the oropharynx and through a nasogastric tube, often supplemented with systemic antibiotics during the initial days of ICU admission. Recent guidelines and systematic reviews continue to emphasize the importance of accurate VAP diagnosis and effective antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.