Adhering to the procalcitonin algorithm allows antibiotic therapy to be shortened in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PURPOSE

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) increases exposure to antibiotics. Physicians are however reluctant to shorten treatment, arguing this could lead to failures and worse outcome. Monitoring procalcitonin (PCT) has proven effective for decreasing exposure to antibiotics in randomized controlled trials, but additional "real-life" studies are needed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with VAP in whom ABT was stopped before death or discharge were included in this 5-year prospective cohort study. Patients in whom ABT was stopped in accordance with the algorithm ("PCT-guided" group: ABT withdrawal strongly encouraged if PCT < 0.5 ng/mL or < 80% peak value) were compared to those with ABT continuation despite PCT decrease ("not PCT-guided" group). The primary endpoint was ABT duration. The secondary endpoint was unfavorable VAP outcome (i.e. death or relapse).

RESULTS

We included 157 of the 316 patients with microbiologically-proven VAP. The algorithm was overruled in 81 patients (51.6%). ABT duration was significantly longer in these patients than in the PCT-guided group (9.5 vs. 8.0 days; p = .02), although baseline and VAP characteristics did not differ. The rate of unfavorable outcomes was comparable (46.9% vs. 51.3%; p = .69).

CONCLUSIONS

PCT-guided ABT adherence appears safe for patients with VAP and is likely to reduce exposure to antibiotics.