[Principles of prevention of pneumonia associated with the use of artificial ventilation of the lungs in resuscitation and intensive care units].

Pneumonia ranks among the most incident complications associated with forced ventilation of the lungs (FVL). Its incidence depends on FVL duration and according to published reports varies from 9 to 70%. Pneumonia deteriorates the prognosis and essentially increases the mortality in intensive care wards. Based on published reports and their own experience, the authors formulate the fundamentals of prevention of pneumonia in patients on FVL: use of intubation tubes with low-pressure cuffs; minimum duration or no procedures involving the intubation tube cuff blowing off; regular sanitization of the tracheobronchial tree and oropharynx; use of devices for removal of tracheobronchial secretion in the closed contour and of disposable catheters; inhalation of bronchomucolytics and antibiotics through a nebulizer; patient's position in bed with elevated head part; rigid approach to prescription of antacide drugs and H2-receptor blockers; decontamination and regulation of intestinal function; antibiotic therapy with consideration for the results of bacteriological studies; no or minimum exposure to procedures involving the respiratory contour seal opening; use of sterile gloves; use of disposable respiratory contours and hydrophobic bacterial filters instead of humidifiers.