Prophylactic Inhaled Antibiotics for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence and Mortality Outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common ICU complication linked to high morbidity and mortality. Inhaled antibiotics may offer targeted prophylaxis, but their effectiveness has shown mixed results. This study aims to further evaluate whether inhaled antibiotics reduce VAP incidence and ICU mortality through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the most updated available evidence.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Multiple databases were searched for studies published up to November 14, 2024. Ten studies including 2876 patients (1485 intervention; 1391 control) met inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled risk ratios (RR) for VAP incidence and ICU mortality. Risk of bias

SUBMITTER: Valladares C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12228672 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature