Checking the Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment in Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and Compliance of the Lung in this Disease

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of lung infection that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation breathing machines in hospitals. As such, VAP typically affects critically ill persons that are in an intensive care unit (ICU). diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia is difficult and is not standardized. The criteria used for diagnosis of VAP varies by institution, but tends to be a combination of several of the following radiographic, clinical sign, and laboratory evidence : Temperature greater than 38 °C or less than 36 °C, White blood cell count greater than 12.000/mm3 or less than 4,000/mm3, Purulent secretions, increased secretions, or change in secretions, Positive tracheal cultures or bronchoalveolar lavage cultures, Some sign of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, abnormal breathing sounds when listening with stethoscope, Increased need for oxygen on the ventilator, Chest X-rays: at least two serial x-rays showing sustained or worsening shadowing (infiltrates or consolidations) and Positive cultures that were obtained directly from the lung environment, such as from the trachea or bronchioles. In a restrictive lung disease, the compliance of the lung is reduced, which increases the stiffness of the lung and limits expansion. In these cases, a greater pressure (P) than normal is required to give the same increase in volume (V). Common causes of decreased lung compliance are pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and pulmonary edema.

Keywords:

Pneumonia , Compliance , VAP , Lung disorders