Factors associated with oral biofilm in ICU patients with infectious diseases

Oral status and affecting factors in Iranian ICU patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Oral care is crucial in intensive care units (ICUs). Meanwhile, this action is not well-performed, therefore, mouth cavity-associated disorders cause serious outcomes, e.g. ventilator-dependent pneumonia. Considering a lack of studies in Iran on this subject, this study aimed to determine the oral status and affected factors in ICU patients in Iran.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study in 2019, we assessed the oral status of 138 patients admitted to the ICUs in the Kermanshah and Ilam provinces by census method. The tools were a demographic and clinical characteristics checklist, and Beck's oral status assessment scale (BOAS). The researcher investigated the condition of the patient's mouth, and their records. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

In this study, the prevalence of moderate and severe disorders of the lips, gums and oral mucosa, tongue, teeth, and saliva were 14.4, 26.1, 16.6, 49.3, and 34.8 percent, respectively. Six percent of patients had a normal oral condition. Oral status had a significant relationship with education level, age, marital status, brushing teeth, NG tube, and consciousness level.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other studies, the prevalence of oral cavity disorders in ICU patients of the Ilam and Kermanshah provinces was high. It mandates paying crucial attention to nurses' continued education, using standard guidelines, and applying new facilities. Moreover, it is mandated for periodical visits of patients by a dentist in ICUs.

Analysis of diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia recommended by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency and the National Healthcare Safety Network/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as its risk factors.

METHODS

retrospective cohort study carried out in an intensive care unit throughout 12 months, in 2017. Analyses included chi-square, simple linear regression, and Kappa statistical tests and were conducted using Stata 12 software.

RESULTS

the sample was 543 patients who were in the intensive care unit and under mechanical ventilation, of whom 330 (60.9%) were men and 213 (39.1%) were women. Variables such as gender, age, time under mechanical ventilation, and oral hygiene proved to be significant risk factors for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

patients submitted to mechanical ventilation need to be constantly evaluated so the used diagnostic methods can be accurate and applied in an objective and standardized way in Brazilian hospitals.