colonization of the aerodigestive tract, or the use of contaminated
equipment.6 The estimated rate of VAP is 1.4
to 5.8 events per 1000 intubated patients, with a downward
trend since 2000.4,5 In the PICU, 20% of nosocomial
infections are VAP, with an incidence of 4 to 44
per 1000 intubated children.7 In addition, data from the
CDC National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System
has indicated a mean PICU VAP rate of 2.9 per 1000
ventilator days.8