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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 23(5): 489-496
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35720
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Nonpharmacological Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Manuel G. Iregui1 , William M. Vaughan2 , Marin H. Kollef1
  • 1Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
  • 2Bard Medical Division, C.R. Bard, Inc., Covington, Georgia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 November 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is the most common nosocomial infection occurring among mechanically ventilated patients. The benefits associated with the systematic prevention of HAP include fewer infections with high-risk antibiotic-resistant bacteria, lower rates of hospital mortality, reduced medical care costs, and shorter hospital lengths of stay. Unfortunately, many hospitals do not have an organized approach to the prevention of HAP. This review will describe the nonpharmacological approaches available for the prevention of HAP. It should help clinicians to design their own strategies for the prevention of this important hospital-acquired infection.

KEYWORDS

Hospital-acquired pneumonia - mechanical ventilation - ventilator-associated pneumonia

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