循证护理对机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎发生的影响

目的 探讨循证护理在呼吸机相关性肺炎（VAP）中的实际临床效果.方法 将2011年1月-2013年6月在我科ICU住院治疗并行机械通气的160例患者随机分为观察组和对照组,其中观察组在常规护理措施的基础上进行循证护理,比较两者的有创通气时间、总通气时间、脱机时间,VAP的发生时间、发生率和病死率.结果 观察组有创通气时间、总通气时间、脱机时间以及VAP发生的时间分别为（3.3±0.6）,（10.3±3.8）,（2.6±4.3）,（9.2±2.8）d,显著低于或晚于对照组的（5.6±3.1）,（13.1±3.4）,（6.5±4.8）,（4.8±2.7）d,差异有统计学意义（t分别为2.58,2.63,2.86,2.79;P＜0.05）.而观察组VAP的发生率为16.9％,病死率为10.4％,显著低于对照组的48.1％,34.9％,且差异有统计学意义（x2分别为5.36,4.93;P ＜0.01）.结论 循证护理能显著缩短VAP患者的有创通气时间、总通气时间和脱机时间,能有效延缓和减少VAP的发生.     

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation and ventilator-associated pneumonia

There is much interest in the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) to prevent intubation and afford a survival benefit for patients. The risk of pneumonia in patients receiving NPPV has been reported in 12 studies. Compared to patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (4 studies), the pneumonia rate is lower with the use of NPPV (relative risk [RR] 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04 to 0.58, p = 0.006). Compared to patients assigned to invasive mechanical ventilation (3 studies), in which some of the patients assigned to NPPV did not respond and were eventually intubated, there was also a benefit for the use of NPPV (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.73, p = 0.01). In studies in which patients assigned to NPPV were compared to patients assigned to standard therapy (5 studies), in which some of the patients in each group were eventually intubated, there was benefit shown for the use of NPPV (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.02, p = 0.06). When this meta-analysis is repeated without the results of the negative study for NPPV (extubation failure), there is a stronger benefit in support of NPPV to decrease the risk of pneumonia in the remaining 4 studies (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.73, p = 0.003). A meta-analysis combining the results from the 12 studies reviewed shows a strong benefit for NPPV (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.57, p = 0.0002). One randomized controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure compared with standard treatment in patients who developed acute hypoxemia after elective major abdominal surgery reported a lower rate of pneumonia with continuous positive airway pressure (2% vs 10%, RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88, p = 0.02). In patients who are appropriate candidates for NPPV or continuous positive airway pressure, the available evidence suggests a benefit in terms of a lower risk of pneumonia. Perhaps "endotracheal-tube-associated pneumonia" is a better term than "ventilator-associated pneumonia."     

益生菌对脓毒症机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎发病的影响

目的:探讨益生菌治疗在降低脓毒症机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎（ventilator-associated pneumonia,VAP）中的应用效果。方法:选取入住本院ICU的脓毒症机械通气的患者共94例,随机（随机数字法）分为益生菌组（ n=46）和对照组（ n=48）,两组患者均于入院后24~...     

Pulmonary levels of high-mobility group box 1 during mechanical ventilation and ventilator-associated pneumonia

High-mobility group box (HMGB) 1 is a recently discovered proinflammatory mediator that contributes to acute lung injury. We determined HMGB-1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients during mechanical ventilation (MV) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained from patients who were ventilated for 5 h because of an elective surgical procedure ("short-term MV"; n = 40) or for several days because of respiratory failure without acute lung injury ("long-term MV"; n = 10) and from patients who developed unilateral VAP (n = 4). Ten healthy volunteers served as controls. In healthy volunteers, HMGB-1 levels were low (median, 1.6 ngmL(-1); interquartile range [IQR], 0.7-3.7 ng mL(-1)). Although HMGB-1 levels were elevated after short-term MV, differences were not statistically significant compared with healthy volunteers (1.7 ng mL(-1); IQR, 0.8-8.5 ng mL(-1), P = 0.493 vs. healthy volunteers; P = 0.250 vs. start of MV). However, HMGB-1 levels were significantly higher in "long-term" MV patients (11.7 ng mL(-1); IQR, 8.7-37.0 ng mL(-1); P < 0.0001 vs. healthy volunteers). With unilateral VAP, HMGB-1 levels from the infected lung.were 17.4 (IQR, 8.5-23.2) ng mL(-1) (P = 0.014 vs. healthy controls); these levels were not different from those measured in the contralateral noninfected lung (P = 0.625). Summarized, long-term MV is associated with increased HMGB-1 levels in contrast to "short-term" MV. In addition, HMGB-1 levels during VAP are increased compared with healthy volunteers; however, they are not different from those found in patients intubated and mechanically ventilated for a similar period of time.     

脑卒中行机械通气患者发生呼吸机相关性肺炎的危险因素及病原学分析

目的探讨脑卒中行机械通气患者发生呼吸机相关性肺炎(ventilator-associated pneumonia,VAP)的相关危险因素及病原菌。方法回顾性分析于2017年1月至2018年6月神经内科重症监护室的脑卒中行机械通气患者116例,统计分析患者的临床资料。结果共有29例诊断为VAP。在脑卒中行机械通气大于48小时的患者中发生率为25.0%。多因素Logistic回归分析显示冠心病、APACHE-II评分及机械通气时间为VAP发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。在VAP患者中共检出61株病原菌,其中铜绿假单胞菌占比最高,达29.5%。发生VAP者ICU停留时间、总住院日显著高于非VAP患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论脑卒中行机械通气患者中VAP发生率较高,与不良预后密切相关,通过对其危险因素及病原菌进行分析,将会为临床预防及治疗提供思路。     

循证护理在控制机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎中的应用

目的探讨循证护理在控制机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)中的应用效果。方法收集160例机械通气患者按是否愿意接受循证护理干预分为2组,对照组给予常规护理,实验组加施循证护理,比较2组患者每日接受相关护理措施情况、相关临床指标与所受护理工作量、VAP与护理不良事件发生情况、满意度调查结果等。结果实验组患者每日接受插管固定评估、插管深度评估、气囊压力评估、口腔清洁处理、镇静镇痛处理与吸痰拍背处理率显著高于对照组(P0.01);实验组患者有创通气时间、总机械通气时间、住院时间显著短于对照组,NAS评分显著高于对照组(P0.01);实验组患者非计划拔管、VAP与投诉的发生率显著低于对照组(P0.05);实验组患者护理满意情况显著优于对照组(P0.01)。结论循证护理在控制机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎中的应用效果显著,可提高满意度,具有借鉴性。     

综合护理干预对颅脑损伤机械通气患者VAP的影响

目的探讨综合护理干预在预防颅脑损伤机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)中的应用效果。方法选取本院2015年7—12月收治实施综合护理干预以预防VAP颅脑损伤机械通气的患者50例为观察组,选取本院2015年1—6月收治采用常规护理的颅脑损伤机械通气的患者50例为对照组。比较2组的排痰情况、口腔情况、VAP的发生以及预后情况。结果观察组护理后的排痰量,口腔异味、口腔溃疡的发生率以及VAP的发生情况与对照组的差异有统计学意义(P0.05);观察组的机械通气时间、住ICU时间、GCS预后情况与对照组的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论综合护理干预能够提高颅脑损伤机械通气患者的排痰效果,降低VAP的发生,改善患者的预后,值得推广。     

高氧血症与机械通气治疗导致呼吸机相关性肺炎的相关性研究进展

氧疗成为接受机械通气的危重病人支持护理的关键,充足的氧气治疗既可以预防缺氧,改善主要器官因缺氧引起的相关症状,又可造成呼吸机相关性肺炎（VAP）,可见高氧血症与机械通气治疗导致VAP之间存在一定的相关性。在这篇综述中,通过分析高氧血症的定义、高氧血症与VAP的关系、高氧血症引发VAP的可能机制及潜在的干预措施,为改善接受氧疗的危重患者的预后,降低VAP发生提供参考。     

人工鼻预防重症机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎的效果评价

目的：比较人工鼻与电热恒温湿化罐预防重症机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎的效果。方法将2012年1-9月呼吸机治疗中使用人工鼻和电热恒温湿化罐的患者按年龄和性别进行1：1配对,分为两组,每组各90例,比较两组患者湿化效果、呼吸机相关肺炎（ VAP）发病率及病死率等指标。结果人工鼻组痰黏稠Ⅲ度患者19例,湿化罐组34例,两组比较差异有统计学意义（χ2＝6．83,P＜0．05）。人工鼻组和湿化罐组患者VAP的发生率分别为3．33％和12．22％,两组比较差异有统计学意义（χ2＝4．96,P＜0．05）。两组患者病死率分别为5．56％和11．11％,差异无统计学意义（χ2＝1．82,P＞0．05）。结论人工鼻的应用可能降低患者呼吸机相关肺炎的发病率,并在一定程度上减轻护理工作量和患者负担。     

呼吸机管路更换频率对呼吸机相关肺炎发病率的影响

目的 探讨呼吸机管路更换频率对呼吸机相关肺炎(VAP)发病率的影响.方法 选择2008年3月至2010年9月人住我院综合性ICU、急诊科、呼吸内科、神经外科机械通气患者,随机分为呼吸机管路每周更换2次组与呼吸机管路每周更换1次组;目标性监测记录使用呼吸机患者的临床症状和体征变化;采集不同部位微生物标本送检,并进行统计学分析.结果 呼吸机管路每周更换2次组VAP的发生率为28.30%(15/53),每周更换1次组为35.84%(19/53),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.533);呼吸机管路每周更换2次组呼吸机管路病原微生物检出率为44.49%(271/609),每周更换1次组为48.16%(289/600),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);组间呼吸机管路不同部位病原微生物检出情况比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);VAP的病原微生物以革兰阴性菌为主,鲍曼不动杆菌检出占首位.结论 呼吸机管路更换频率不影响VAP的发病率,建议使用中的呼吸机管路每7天更换1次;同时应加强护理人员专科技术培训,从多环节降低医院感染的发生率.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the effect of ventilator circuit change frequency on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Methods Patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU,Department of Emergency, Respiratory Department and Department of Neurosurgery from March 2008 to September 2010 were randomized into two groups. For these two groups ,the ventilator circuit was changed once or twice a week. The recorded parameters included the clinical symptoms and signs of the ventilated patients. Samples at different parts of the circuit were collected for microbiological detection. The data were analyzed statistically. Results The incidence of VAP was 28. 30% ( 13/53 ) in twice-a-week group and 35.84%( 19/53 ) in once-a-week group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The rates for positive microbiological detection in the circuit were 48. 16% and 44. 49% for once-a-week and twice-a-week group,respectively. No significant difference was observed ( P ＞ 0.05 ). Moreover, there was no significant difference in terms of the microbiology positivity between different parts of the circuit(P ＞ 0. 05 ). Gram-negative bacteria were the main pathogen of VAP with Acinetobacter baumannii ranking at the top. Conclusion Frequency of Ventilator circuit change does not influence the incidence of VAP. We suggest that the frequency for ventilator circuit change should be once a week. At the same time, the nurse staff should be trained for specific technology and the incidence of hospital infection should be controlled at multiple rings of the chain.     

Lung-protective mechanical ventilation does not protect against acute kidney injury in patients without lung injury at onset of mechanical ventilation

Introduction

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that mechanical ventilation contributes to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in the setting of lung-injurious ventilator strategies.

Objective

To determine whether ventilator settings in critically ill patients without acute lung injury (ALI) at onset of mechanical ventilation affect the development of AKI.

Design, Setting, and Patients

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (N = 150), comparing conventional tidal volume (V_T, 10 mL/kg) with low tidal volume (V_T, 6 mL/kg) mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients without ALI at randomization. During the first 5 days of mechanical ventilation, the RIFLE class was determined daily, whereas neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and cystatin C levels were measured in plasma collected on days 0, 2, and 4.

Results

Eighty-six patients had no AKI at inclusion, and 18 patients (21%) subsequently developed AKI, but without significant difference between ventilation strategies. (Cumulative hazard, 0.26 vs 0.23; P = .88.) The courses of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and cystatin C plasma levels did not differ significantly between randomization groups.

Conclusion

In the present study in critically patients without ALI at onset of mechanical ventilation, lower tidal volume ventilation did not reduce the development or worsening of AKI compared with conventional tidal volume ventilation.     

The microbiology of ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication of ventilatory support for patients with acute respiratory failure and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. Awareness of the microbiology of VAP is essential for selecting optimal antibiotic therapy and improving these outcomes. The specific microbial causes of VAP are many and varied. Most cases of VAP are caused by bacterial pathogens that normally colonize the oropharynx and gut, or that are acquired via transmission by health-care workers from environmental surfaces or from other patients. Common pathogens include Pseudomonas species and other highly resistant Gram-negative bacilli, staphylococci, the Enterobacteriaceae, streptococci, and Haemophilus species. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species and methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus are much more common after prior antibiotic treatment or prolonged hospitalization or mechanical ventilation, and when other risk factors are present. The bacterial pathogens responsible for VAP also vary depending on patient characteristics and in certain clinical circumstances, such as in acute respiratory distress syndrome or following tracheostomy, traumatic injuries, or burns. But these differences appear to be due primarily to the duration of mechanical ventilation and/or degree of prior antibiotic exposure of these patients. The causes of VAP can vary considerably by geographic location (even between units in the same hospital), emphasizing the importance of local epidemiological and microbiological data. Atypical bacteria, viruses, and fungi also have been implicated as causes of VAP, but these pathogens have not been studied systematically and their role is presently unclear. In conclusion, information about the microbiology of VAP serves to guide optimal antibiotic therapy. The risk of antibiotic-resistant pathogens can be estimated using simple clinical features and awareness of local microbiology patterns. The roles of atypical bacterial and nonbacterial pathogens in VAP are incompletely understood and should be investigated further.     

呼吸机相关性气管支气管炎对机械通气患者预后的影响

目的 评价呼吸机相关性气管支气管炎(ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis,VAT)对机械通气患者预后的影响.方法 选择符合VAT诊断标准(即机械通气48 h后出现发热、脓性痰、痰细菌培养阳性及影像学无新出现的浸润影或实变影)56例患者作为研究对象,根据是否发展为呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)分成VAT+VAP组(n=22)和VAT组(n=34).分析两组患者机械通气后抗菌药物使用情况、痰细菌培养结果、机械通气时间、住ICU时间、气管切开率及病死率.结果 56例VAT患者纳入本研究.VAT+VAP组的抗菌药物不恰当使用率明显高于VAT组(P=0.001),多重耐药菌分离率及2种或以上细菌混合感染率高于VAT组(P=0.001和P=0.007).此外,VAT+VAP组的机械通气时间和住ICU时间长于VAT组(P均为0.001),气管切开率与病死率亦高于VAT组(P=0.005和P=0.008).结论 机械通气患者发生VAT后,若不能早期诊断并给予及时的靶向抗菌药物治疗易于发展为VAP,VAT和VAP的连续发生可延长患者机械通气及住ICU时间,增加气管切开率与病死率,影响预后.     

Duration of prehospital intubation is not a risk factor for development of early ventilator-associated pneumonia

Purpose

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients with trauma. Few VAP prevention strategies have been studied in the prehospital environment. The objectives of this study are to measure the association between duration of prehospital intubation and intubation location with subsequent incidence of early (within 5 days) VAP.

Materials and Methods

Single-center retrospective cohort study of all intubated adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with trauma presenting to a 711-bed Midwestern Level I trauma center between January 2005 and December 2011 (n = 860).

Results

Thirty-five patients (6.4%) were diagnosed as having early VAP during the study period. Using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for age, injury severity score, and year (corresponding to VAP bundle implementation), the duration of intubation prior to hospital admission was not associated with subsequent diagnosis of VAP (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90 per hour; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.15). Location of intubation was similarly not associated with VAP.

Conclusions

Duration of prehospital intubation and intubation location were not different in patients with trauma who developed early VAP. Further prospective analyses should be conducted to better elucidate the effect of prehospital management on the development of traditionally in-hospital complications.     

Dexmedetomidine does not improve patient satisfaction when compared with propofol during mechanical ventilation

OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) may provide a sedation level that enables sleep and communication, with less amnesia and pain medication requirements, during mechanical ventilation. Our study directly assessed patient-perceived satisfaction with coronary artery bypass graft surgery after administration of DEX or propofol for intensive care unit (ICU) sedation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study with subsequent questionnaire administration. SETTING: Tertiary care surgical ICU. PATIENTS: A total of 89 adult, nonemergent, coronary artery bypass graft patients with an expected length of intubation of <24 hrs. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to either DEX or propofol; drug administration was performed via standardized anesthesia and nursing protocols. MEASUREMENTS: Patients reported perceptions of their ICU experience after mechanical ventilation with a modified numerical-scale Hewitt questionnaire, validated specifically for ICU patients. Patients were questioned regarding awareness, recall, generalized comfort, level of pain, ability to interact with healthcare providers and family, feelings of agitation and anxiety, perceived ease of extubation, ability to sleep or rest, and satisfaction with ICU experience. MAIN RESULTS: Groups were well matched at baseline, with a mean +/- sd age of 63.0 +/- 10.4 yrs and weight of 88.7 +/- 16.7 kg. No difference was observed for length of surgery, length of intubation, or ICU stay (p > .05). DEX patients perceived a shorter length of intubation (p = .044). A deeper sedation level was found in the propofol group (p = .021), with similar morphine and midazolam requirements (p = .317). Patient-rated level of overall awareness as a marker of amnesia did not differ between groups (p = .653). The ability to rest or sleep trended toward significance favoring propofol (p = .051). On evaluation of questionnaire ratings, DEX patients expressed more discomfort (p = .046), pain (p = .096), and sleeping difficulty (p = .036). Similar comfort levels were reported during extubation (p = .179). CONCLUSIONS: Despite theoretical advantages of DEX to improve overall patient satisfaction, the two agents provide similar responses to amnesia and pain control. According to our findings, DEX does not seem to have any advantage compared with propofol for short-term sedation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.     

机械通气患儿实施改良口腔护理方案预防呼吸机相关性肺炎的效果观察

目的 探讨改良口腔护理方案在预防机械通气患儿呼吸机相关性肺炎(ventilator associated pneumonia,VAP)中的临床效果。 方法 选取笔者所在医院重症监护室2018年1月—2019年12月收治的接受有创机械通气患儿140例为研究对象,按随机数字表法将其分为观察组与对照组,各70例。对照组采取棉球沾取0.9%氯化钠溶液进行口腔擦拭护理,观察组采取儿童牙刷结合3%过氧化氢与金银花水煎剂进行口腔护理。比较2组口腔清洁度、口腔分泌物与肺泡灌洗液微生物检查情况、呼吸机相关性肺炎发生率、机械通气时间、ICU住院时间。 结果 观察组口腔清洁度优于对照组(Z=-3.052,P=0.002),口腔分泌物微生物与肺泡灌洗液微生物检出率低于对照组(P<0.05),呼吸机相关性肺炎发生率低于对照组(χ²=4.538,P=0.033),机械通气时间与ICU住院时间均短于对照组(t=9.155,P<0.001;t=10.113,P<0.001)。 结论 使用以儿童牙刷蘸取过氧化氢溶液刷洗法结合金银花水煎剂负压吸引冲洗法能够提高机械通气患儿口腔清洁度,增强口腔护理抑菌效果,降低呼吸机相关性肺炎风险,促进患儿康复。     

集束化干预策略对高原ICU机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎的预防效果

目的探讨实施集束化干预策略对预防高原ICU机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎（VAP）的效果,为高原地区VAP预防策略提供依据。 方法选取青海省人民医院ICU行机械通气的患者作为研究对象,其中2017年4至12月入院未实施集束化护理策略的418例患者为对照组,2018年2至10月入院实施集束化干预策略的437例患者为观察组。比较2组患者的机械通气时间、ICU住院时间、VAP发生率、误吸发生率、气囊压力监测情况及2组医务人员手卫生依从性情况。 结果观察组机械通气时间及ICU住院时间均显著短于对照组,2组间比较差异有统计学意义[机械通气时间：（5.94±4.17）d vs （9.72±5.66）d,t=11.14,P<0.001;ICU住院时间：（9.63±6.41）d vs （14.48±8.30）d,t=9.55,P<0.001];VAP及误吸发生率均少于对照组,2组间比较差异有统计学意义（VAP发生率：3.4%和8.1%,χ²=9.39,P=0.001;误吸发生率：0.7% vs 2.2%,χ²=4.82,P=0.030）;气囊压力监测达标率高于对照组,2组间比较差异有统计学意义（96.4% vs 61.7%,χ²=2.50,P<0.001）。观察组医务人员手卫生依从性高于对照组,2组间比较差异有统计学意义（79.0% vs 48.5%,χ²=4.76,P<0.001）。 结论集束化干预策略可有效缩短机械通气时间、ICU住院时间,减少高原地区VAP及误吸的发生率,提高气囊压力监测达标率及医护人员手卫生依从性,值得临床应用。     

The clinical diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia

There has long been a controversy about whether to use a clinical or microbiologic approach to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and about which approach to use in managing patients. Although the clinical approach has often been criticized, a number of recent studies have shown that it is possible to use such an approach to effectively manage patients. This approach involves using all available clinical data to define the presence of pneumonia and then to initiate empiric therapy in a timely fashion, based on therapy guidelines, modified by local microbiologic data. Often the clinical diagnosis is made using the clinical pulmonary infection score, and this tool can be very accurate, especially if it incorporates a Gram stain of a lower-respiratory-tract sample. Once the clinical diagnosis of VAP is made, all patients should have a tracheal aspirate collected for culture, followed by prompt initiation of therapy. Using a clinical approach to management, the key decision point is not whether to start antibiotics, but whether to continue them at day 2-3. This requires serial clinical evaluation to define whether a response to empiric therapy has occurred. Based on this assessment, in conjunction with the results of tracheal aspirate cultures, therapy can be either modified or continued. A number of studies have shown that the clinical approach leads to a large number of patients receiving adequate empiric therapy, while still permitting de-escalation of antibiotic regimens, along with short durations of therapy. Thus a clinical approach to management can be successful in allowing for effective management of VAP, without promoting the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy.     

Physiotherapy does not prevent,or hasten recovery from,ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with acquired brain injury

Objective  To investigate the effect of respiratory physiotherapy on the prevention and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) for adults in an intensive care unit (ICU) with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Design and setting  Two-part, prospective, randomised controlled trial. Patients  A total of 144 subjects with ABI admitted with a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤9, requiring intracranial pressure monitoring, and invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) for >24 h; 33 subjects were subsequently diagnosed with VAP. Intervention  Respiratory physiotherapy comprised six treatments (positioning, manual hyperinflation and suctioning) in each 24-h period whilst on MV. The Control Group received standard medical/nursing care but no respiratory physiotherapy. Measurements and results  There were no significant differences between groups for incidence of VAP, duration of MV, length of ICU stay or clinical variables such as requirement for re-ventilation. Conclusions  In adults with ABI, regular respiratory physiotherapy in addition to routine medical/nursing care does not appear to prevent VAP, reduce length of MV or ICU stay. Due to small numbers, it is not possible to draw any conclusions as to whether or not respiratory physiotherapy hastens recovery from VAP. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.