The importance of viruses in ventilator-associated pneumonia

Improving Outcomes in Nosocomial Pneumonia: Recent Evidence and More Challenges

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) represents a leading nosocomial infection and results in substantial morbidity and cost. Over the last several years, the evidence has evolved which directs our approach to NP. Specifically, the definition of NP and classification of its various subtypes has expanded to capture nuances among various phenotypes of this syndrome. For example, segregating those with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) based on whether they subsequently require mechanical ventilation has been shown to be important. Likewise, newer data indicate the true economic cost of NP and underscore the diverse range of pathogens that can cause NP. Moreover, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have become a major threat in NP. Fortunately, newer simple preventive strategies have been tested and found to be effective at reducing the incidence of NP. Should prevention fail, a range of new antibiotics have been formally studied in NP and found to be effective. Some of these novel agents have relatively broad ranges of activity and are in vitro active against select MDR organisms. Others, however, are narrower in spectrum and directed against specific problem bacteria. In short, the literature in the field of NP has progressed rapidly, and clinicians require a clear appreciation of these changes so as to improve patient outcomes.

Novel Siderophore Cephalosporin and Combinations of Cephalosporins with β-Lactamase Inhibitors as an Advancement in Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogens, the treatment options for infectious diseases are diminishing. One of the clinical groups especially vulnerable to this threat are patients who are hospitalized in intensive care units due to ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In order to prevent the exhaustion of therapeutic options for this life-threatening condition, there is an urgent need for new pharmaceuticals. Novel β-lactam antibiotics, including combinations of cephalosporins with β-lactamase inhibitors, are proposed as a solution to this escalating problem. The unique mechanism of action, distinctive to this new group of siderophore cephalosporins, can overcome multidrug resistance, which is raising high expectations. In this review, we present the summarized results of clinical trials, in vitro studies, and case studies on the therapeutic efficacy of cefoperazone-sulbactam, ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, and cefiderocol in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia. We demonstrate that treatment strategies based on siderophore cephalosporins and combinations of β-lactams with β-lactamases inhibitors show comparable or higher clinical efficacy than those used with classic pharmaceuticals, like carbapenems, colistin, or tigecycline, and are often associated with a lower risk of adverse events.

Viral Pneumonia: From Influenza to COVID-19

Respiratory viruses are increasingly recognized as a cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The implementation of new diagnostic technologies has facilitated their identification, especially in vulnerable population such as immunocompromised and elderly patients and those with severe cases of pneumonia. In terms of severity and outcomes, viral pneumonia caused by influenza viruses appears similar to that caused by non-influenza viruses. Although several respiratory viruses may cause CAP, antiviral therapy is available only in cases of CAP caused by influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus. Currently, evidence-based supportive care is key to managing severe viral pneumonia. We discuss the evidence surrounding epidemiology, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of viral pneumonia.

Evaluation of Five Host Inflammatory Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Single Center Cohort Study

Background: Early diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a challenge due to subjective clinical criteria and the low discriminative power of diagnostic tests. We assessed whether rapid molecular diagnostics in combination with Clinically Pulmonary Index Score (CPIS) scoring, microbiological surveillance and biomarker measurements of PTX-3, SP-D, s-TREM, PTX-3, IL-1β and IL-8 in the blood or lung could improve the accuracy of VAP diagnosis and follow-up in critically ill children. Methods: A prospective pragmatic study in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) was conducted on ventilated critically ill children divided into two groups: high and low suspicion of VAP according to modified Clinically Pulmonary Index Score (mCPIS). Blood and bronchial samples were collected on days 1, 3, 6 and 12 after event onset. Rapid diagnostics were used for pathogen identification and ELISA for PTX-3, SP-D, s-TREM, IL-1β and IL-8 measurements. Results: Among 20 enrolled patients, 12 had a high suspicion (mCPIS > 6), and 8 had a low suspicion of VAP (mCPIS < 6); 65% were male; and 35% had chronic disease. IL-1β levels at day 1 correlated significantly with the number of mechanical ventilation days (r_s = 0.67, p < 0.001) and the PICU stay (r = 0.66; p < 0.002). No significant differences were found in the levels of the other biomarkers between the two groups. Mortality was recorded in two patients with high VAP suspicion. Conclusions: PTX-3, SP-D, s-TREM, IL-1β and IL-8 biomarkers could not discriminate patients with a high or low suspicion of VAP diagnosis.