Developing a National Approach to Surveillance and Prevention for Neonatal Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve how ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a lung infection acquired in hospitals, is diagnosed, treated, and prevented in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. These infants are born very early or very small and often need breathing support in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The study focuses on evaluating the incidence of VAP, the role of antibiotic-resistant germs, current antibiotic use, and developing clear guidelines to improve care across Canadian hospitals. The study involves observing VLBW infants diagnosed with VAP in participating tertiary NICUs in Canada. Researchers will collect and analyze hospital data on VAP rates, germs causing these infections, and antibiotic treatment patterns. They will compare different diagnostic definitions and work with experts to create standardized, evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing, managing, and preventing VAP in newborns. Participants are infants admitted to NICUs with VAP diagnosed by their doctors. Researchers will use existing clinical data and hospital records to study infection rates and treatment approaches. They will measure how often VAP occurs, especially infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms, and assess other health outcomes. The study will help develop and implement national guidelines to reduce infections and unnecessary antibiotic use, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for these vulnerable newborns.

National Surveillance and Prevention of Neonatal VAP