Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates remain highest
among trauma and brain injured patients; yet, no research
compares VAP risk factors between the 2 groups. This
retrospective, case-controlled study identified risk factors
for VAP among critically ill trauma patients with and without
brain injury. Data were abstracted on trauma patients with
(cases) and without (controls) brain injury. Data gathered
on n = 157 subjects. Trauma patients with brain injury had
more emergent and field intubations. Age was strongest
predictor of VAP in cases, and ventilator days predicted
VAP in controls. Trauma patients with brain injury may be at
higher risk for VAP