2016 Guidelines for Treatment of Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

The most up-to-date guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of America have just been published. Click to read a brief summary and a link to the original guidelines

Although the IDSA guidelines have not changed greatly, there are some significant changes from previously. 

• The removal of HCAP: Prior guidelines presumed that contact with the healthcare system was the cause for higher risk of multidrug-resistant pathogens. In subsequent years, patients who have been identified as HCAP did not, infact have higher risks of MDR pathogens. Because of this, HCAP was removed from the guidelines for HAP and VAP, and may be included in the upcoming Community-acquired Pneumonia guidelines.  Hospital-associated Pneumonia is an episode of pneumonia that is not associated with mechanical ventilation, but occurs after 48 hours or more of hospitalization. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is defined as occuring >48 hours after intubation. 
• Utilization of hospital-specific antibiograms: The IDSA strongly recommends using data from individual hospitals--as well as individual units--to aid in antibiotic selection and utilizing the narrowest spectrum treatment possible. 
• Clinical Criteria: Providers should be using clinical criteria alone, not PCT, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, CRP, or CPIS to diagnose HAP and VAP. 

Click here to view the original article; Management of Adults With Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.