VAP
Pronunciation: vap
Also written as: VAP — Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Healthcare-associated pneumonia that develops 48 hours after mechanical ventilation initiation.
Full Definition
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a serious nosocomial infection that occurs in mechanically ventilated patients, typically developing 48-72 hours after intubation. In surgical critical care, VAP represents a major complication that increases mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs. Risk factors include prolonged ventilation, aspiration, immunosuppression, and poor oral hygiene. Prevention strategies include head-of-bed elevation, oral care protocols, sedation interruption, and spontaneous breathing trials. VAP is distinguished from hospital-acquired pneumonia by the presence of mechanical ventilation and has specific diagnostic criteria involving clinical, radiographic, and microbiologic findings.
Usage
Usage note: Pronounced 'vap' as a word, commonly used in verbal communication.
In Context
- "The patient developed VAP on post-operative day 5 requiring broad-spectrum antibiotics." — Infectious disease consult
- "VAP prevention protocols include daily sedation vacations and oral care." — Quality improvement report