Beatmungsassoziierte pneumonie bei kindern

Abstract

According to current data obtained in the German KISS study ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) represents a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care patients (PICU). Patients with pre-existing severe illness or congenital syndromes or malformations face an increased risk. The present article discusses current concepts in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of VAP in PICU patients and points to bundle approaches to reduce the incidence of VAP. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.