Can Biomarkers Predict Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Patients After Cardiac Arrest?
Summary
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication after cardiac arrest, but diagnosing it accurately remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of biomarkers in diagnosing VAP in post-cardiac arrest patients.
Study Design
This study was part of the ANTHARTIC trial, a multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled trial focusing on antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent VAP in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia.
Findings
Among the patients included in the study, those who developed VAP showed distinct clinical characteristics and higher levels of certain biomarkers, including CRP, interleukin 17A, and procalcitonin. Combining certain biomarkers, particularly CRP with IL6, showed promise in aiding the early diagnosis or prediction of VAP occurrence in these patients.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that specific biomarkers, especially in combination, could provide valuable assistance in diagnosing or predicting early VAP occurrence in post-cardiac arrest patients.
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