Optimizing antibiotic treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia

Authors

Scott T. Micek, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Timothy J. Heuring, St. Louis University Hospital
James M. Hollands, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Rina A. Shah, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Marin H. Kollef, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common infectious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation and accounts for exorbitant use of resources in the intensive care unit. Antimicrobial management of VAP incorporates an initial broad-spectrum, empiric regimen to ensure appropriate coverage with deescalation of therapy after 48-72 hours based on culture results and sensitivities. When VAP clinically responds to treatment, antimicrobials should be discontinued after 7-8 days to reduce overall antibiotic consumption and the selection pressure on flora observed in the intensive care unit and thus minimize the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

First Page

204

Last Page

213

DOI

10.1592/phco.26.2.204

Publication Date

2-1-2006

Recommended Citation

Micek, Scott T.; Heuring, Timothy J.; Hollands, James M.; Shah, Rina A.; and Kollef, Marin H., "Optimizing antibiotic treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia" (2006). Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications. 171. https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.26.2.204
https://collections.uhsp.edu/pharm-practice_pubs/171