Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Correspondence

“…The microbiological data on the culture of endotracheal aspirates (ETA) was just given as an additional information but was not used by us to mandatorily diagnose VAP. We agree with the editorial commentary that the endotracheal aspirates (ETA) may not truly reflect the organisms causing VAP [1,2]. This is also corroborated by the fact that ETA were positive in 8 out of 15 episodes of VAP and were also positive in patients without VAP (21 cultures positive) in our study (please see Table 2 of our study) [2].…”

“…Finally, we agree with the conclusion by Gnanaguru et al that more studies are needed to evaluate the interventions for reducing incidence of VAP and formulate guidelines for the treatment [1]. We felt the necessity to point out these facts so that our article [2] and the editorial [1] on the same is read in proper context.…”

“…To the Editor : We thank Gnanaguru et al for their informative editorial commentary based on our recent article entitled BStudy of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit^published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics [1,2]. However, we wish to clarify on certain issues raised in the editorial commentary and place on record our point of view.…”

“…Our inability to use bronchoalveolar lavage or protected specimen brush technique for the microbiological diagnosis has already been mentioned in our manuscript. [2] The commentary states that we should have given the details of ICU staffing, disinfection routines and use of bundles [1]. The staffing pattern and infrastructure was a part of the initial draft of our manuscript, but was felt to be un-necessary during the review process and hence was deleted (as per the wish of the reviewers).…”

“…We felt the necessity to point out these facts so that our article [2] and the editorial [1] on the same is read in proper context.…”