Diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines the various techniques used to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia. The ideal diagnostic test not only helps the clinician to recognize whether pneumonia is present, but also to influence clinical outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies have suggested that the clinical pulmonary infection score can be used to detect the onset of ventilator associated pneumonia. Serial clinical pulmonary infection scores have also been useful in helping to decide when to stop therapy. Semiquantitative culture methods have been used for nonbronchoscopic and bronchoscopic samples. Adequate initial empiric therapy for those organisms identified in these samples has been associated with improved survival. This supports the use of these culture techniques to diagnose patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

SUMMARY

Diagnostic testing for ventilator-associated pneumonia can identify those patients at risk for a poor clinical outcome.