Risk factors, predictive biomarkers, and microbial profile of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent ICU-acquired infection in critically ill patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. It is associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and challenges in antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to identify clinical risk factors, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and white blood cell count), and microbial profiles associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 267 adult ICU patients ventilated > 48 h. Demographics, clinical characteristics, ICU practices, laboratory markers, and microbiological profiles were collected. Statistical analysis involved Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test, correlation analysis, and multivariable binary logistic regression to evaluate predictors of VAP and ICU mortality. RESULTS: Of the 267 patients, 222 (83.1%) developed VAP. VAP was significantly associated with prolonged ventilation duration (p = 0.016). Corticosteroid exposure was less frequent among VAP patients (30.4% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.019). In multivariable analysis, higher CRP (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.29 per unit; 95% CI: 1.14–1.46) and WBC (aOR = 1.23 per unit; 95% CI: 1.09–1.40) independently predicted VAP, whereas ventilation duration was not independently associated (aOR = 0.93 per day; 95% CI: 0.85–1.01). In a mortality model, higher CRP was associated with lower odds of death (aOR = 0.968; 95% CI: 0.941–0.996). CONCLUSION: VAP is highly prevalent in ICU patients requiring prolonged ventilation and is strongly linked with elevated inflammatory markers and multidrug-resistant pathogens. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the retrospective, single-center design. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.
Source: BMC Pulmonary Medicine
Authors: Meiqin Zhang, Yuehong Xu, Ping Xu
Language: English
Topic: Nosocomial Infections in ICU
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7153185240