Contribution of Risk Factors to the Development of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in a Tertiary Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021

Authors

  • Dixie Mae Trinidad Lung Center of the Philippines
  • Mary Claire Orden Lung Center of the Philippines
  • Marie Charisma Laborte Lung Center of the Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67474/lcpsp14.1.2026.16039

Keywords:

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Nosocomial infections, Intubation, risk factors, critical care

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, is a new-onset pneumonia occurring 48 hours of intubation, recognized as a significant nosocomial infection globally, contributing to higher mortality. Currently, there are no studies regarding significant risk factors for VAP in local settings hence this study aims to identify the most significant risk factors for VAP among intubated patients in a tertiary hospital in Metro Manila, Philippines, from January 2017 to December 2021, providing a baseline for quality improvement interventions.

 

Methodology: A retrospective cohort study reviewed patient-related, treatment-related, and environment-related factors of all intubated adult patients in the critical care units during the study period.

 

Results: Out of 412 patients, 269 developed VAP. The mean age was 61, majority being male (66.01%). Patient-related factors: sex, age, and smoking history were not associated with increased VAP risk, while CKD (0.1066,p0.027) was associated with decreased risk. Reasons for intubation: CAP-HR (2.6703,p0.011) and HAP (3.8429,p0.042), increased VAP risk. Treatment-related factors: longer intubation days (9.8472, p 0.000), multiple antibiotic use (1.134,p0.000), and tracheostomy (6.8586, p 0.000) were linked to higher VAP risk. Empiric antibiotic therapy (0.3746,p0.000) decreased VAP risk. Environment-related factors showed that longer admission duration (1.0986,p0.000) increased VAP risk. ACS, septic shock, and lung cancer were linked to higher mortality, whereas COPD mitigated it. HAP,cor pulmonale, late-onset VAP, multiple antibiotic use, dialysis, and tracheostomy were associated with longer hospital stays. Paradoxically, components of the VAP prevention bundle like oral care and suctioning, correlated with increased mortality.

Conclusions: The study recommends thorough review and refinement of VAP prevention protocols, including how oral care and suctioning are done as it paradoxically correlates with increased mortality. Tailored prevention strategies targeting identified risk factors should be developed, and judicious antibiotic prescribing practices be emphasized. Quality improvement initiatives may help to optimize VAP prevention protocols and enhance patient care standards, ultimately reducing VAP burden.

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Published

2026-09-18

How to Cite

Trinidad, D. M., Orden, M. C., & Laborte, M. C. (2026). Contribution of Risk Factors to the Development of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in a Tertiary Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. Lung Center of the Philippines Scientific Proceedings, 14(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.67474/lcpsp14.1.2026.16039

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): Lung Center of the Philippines Scientific Proceedings

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Original Articles

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