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Minerva Pneumologica 2004 March;43(1):31-40

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Prevention of pneumonia in the intensive care unit

Rico P., Belén Estébanez M., Angeles Alonso M., Antonelli M., Rello J.

The term hospital-associated pneumonia (HAP) includes not only pneumonia occurring after the first 48 hours of hospital admission but also pneumonia in intubated patients. It is the most common infection acquired by patients in the intensive care units (ICU) and a leading cause of death from hospital-acquired infections, as it increases morbidity and mortality. It is also associated with prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay. Implementation of strategies aimed at the prevention have shown to decrease the occurrence of these infections, reduce medical costs and improve outcome. Health care workers (HCW) caring for patients at risk for HAP should promote the development and participation in programs aimed at its prevention.