Clinical Profile, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Ventilator-Associated Pulmonary Complications in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients: A Hospital-Based Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2766Keywords:
Ventilator-associated pulmonary complications, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, Mechanical ventilation, Intensive care unit, Risk factors, OutcomesAbstract
Background:
Ventilator-associated pulmonary complications are important causes of morbidity and mortality among mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. These complications include ventilator-associated pneumonia, atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, aspiration-related lung injury, pulmonary edema, and barotrauma.
Objectives:
To assess the clinical profile, risk factors, and outcomes of ventilator-associated pulmonary complications among mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
Methods:
This hospital-based cross-sectional study used prospective data collection in the adult ICU of Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India, from February 2025 to January 2026. A total of 100 mechanically ventilated patients were included. Demographic variables, comorbidities, indications for ventilation, ventilator-related factors, pulmonary complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded and analysed.
Results:
The mean age was 56.8 ± 15.4 years, and males constituted 62.0% of patients. Sepsis with respiratory failure was the most common indication for mechanical ventilation. Ventilator-associated pulmonary complications occurred in 42.0% of patients. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the commonest complication, followed by atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and aspiration-related lung injury. Complications were significantly associated with age above 60 years, COPD, smoking, sepsis, prolonged ventilation, reintubation, prolonged sedation, and prior antibiotic exposure. Patients with complications had longer ventilation duration, longer ICU and hospital stay, higher tracheostomy requirement, and higher ICU mortality.
Conclusion:
Ventilator-associated pulmonary complications were frequent among mechanically ventilated ICU patients and were linked to prolonged ventilation, reintubation, chronic lung disease, sepsis, and adverse clinical outcomes.
Recommendations:
Early risk recognition, strict ventilator care bundle adherence, daily sedation assessment, timely weaning, aspiration prevention, and infection-control strengthening are recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Mounika Vaditya, Dr. Polam Radhika, Dr Thati Nagendar, Dr. Pampana Eshwaramma
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