SSC 2026 Guidelines now available — 129 adult & 61 pediatric recommendations View guidelines →
Evidence-based guideline for VAP prevention bundles, diagnostic approaches, empiric and targeted antimicrobial therapy, and surveillance in mechanically ventilated patients.
Pathogen-directed therapy for MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia with dosing tables, VAE versus traditional VAP surveillance reporting, NHSN definitions and algorithms, quality metrics including VAE rates and bundle compliance, and antibiotic stewardship considerations.
Clinical diagnostic criteria, CPIS scoring table, microbiologic sampling strategies (ETA, BAL, mini-BAL) with quantitative thresholds, biomarker guidance, empiric antibiotic selection stratified by MDR risk with complete dosing tables and renal adjustments, de-escalation principles, short-course duration evidence, inhaled antibiotics, and treatment failure evaluation.
Comprehensive evidence review of VAP prevention bundle components including head-of-bed elevation, sedation management, oral care and chlorhexidine controversy, subglottic secretion drainage, ETT cuff pressure, suctioning, circuit management, early mobility, stress ulcer prophylaxis, and supplemental strategies including SDD/SOD, silver-coated ETTs, and probiotics.
Clinical and surveillance definitions of VAP, the VAE tier system (VAC, IVAC, PVAP), HAP versus VAP distinction, epidemiology including incidence and mortality data, pathogenesis of aspiration and biofilm formation, and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.