Identification of risk factors and outcome of VAP in PICUs may help in reducing the incidence and improving patients' outcomes. The incidence of VAP in this study was relatively high. The most prominent risk factors for occurrence of VAP were MOSF, prior antibiotic use for > 48 h before MV, reintubation, coma and age. Proper use of antibiotics before MV in PICUs is essential. Also, adequate training of nurses and strict supervision of infection control protocols are crucial. Lack of a gold standard for the diagnosis of VAP and difficulty in sampling procedures were among the study limitations.

Monitoring the levels of cellular and humoral immunological parameters together with assessing PELOD and PRISM III scores can significantly affect prognosis and survival of septic children.

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