Longer duration of mechanical ventilation was found to be associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia in children aged 1 month to 12 years in India.

Objectives: To determine primarily (1) the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among ventilated patients aged 1 month to 12 years and secondarily (2) the risk factors for VAP and (3) common organisms causing VAP.

Study Design And Setting: Prospective study in a tertiary care center in India. Consecutive ventilated patients aged ≥1 month and ≤12 years and requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥48 hours were included after written informed parental consent. For the diagnosis of VAP, National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System criteria of 1996 were used.

Results: Incidence of VAP among patients aged 1 month to 12 years was 36.2% (38/105; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27, 46). In unconditional logistic regression analysis controlling for the presence of underlying illnesses, risk factor for VAP was >4 days of MV (adjusted odds ratio, 3.76; 95% CI: 1.41, 10.02; P = 0.008). Reintubation within 72 hours of extubation and more than two attendants at the time of recruitment showed increased tendency for the development of VAP but did not reach statistical significance. Endotracheal and endobronchial aspirates were positive for organism in 19.05% (20/105) and 37.14% (39/105) of patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Almost one-third of ventilated patients develop VAP. Vigilance for the development of VAP has to be kept on those requiring >4 days of MV. Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus were common bacterial isolates in such patients.