Endotracheal Tubes with Subglottic Suctioning Reduce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Trauma Patients

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), caused by aspiration of oral secretions that collect above the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, increases the risk for subsequent sepsis and death. ETTs that allow subglottic suctioning (ETT-SSDs) have been shown to reduce rates of VAP in medical patients. To evaluate their use in trauma patients, investigators at a single trauma center reviewed records for admitted patients older than 14 years who remained intubated for more than 48 hours.

ETT-SSDs were implemented and used routinely starting in March 2012. All patients received the same standard ventilator care bundles to reduce infection risk, although compliance wasn't tracked until 2012. Cuff pressures were maintained between 25 and 30 cm H₂O. VAP was…