Strategies to Prevent Pneumonia (SToP Pneumonia)

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Clinical Trial

Official title: Oral Care Intervention in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study tests whether special oral care provided by nurses to critically ill patients who are on a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) can help to reduce the build-up of dental plaque on the teeth and reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Clinical Trial Description

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from hospital-acquired infections. Intubation and mechanical ventilation greatly increase the risk of bacterial ventilator associated pneumonia. Growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria in dental plaque of critically ill patients provides a nidus of infection for microorganisms that have been shown to be responsible for the development of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. Since these organisms are concentrated in dental plaque, removal of organisms from the oral cavity by oral care interventions is a theoretically attractive method to reduce the risk of development of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. However, evidence-based protocols for oral care of mechanically ventilated patients are not available. Results of the study have the potential to improve nursing care, and to positively affect patient well-being, morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Prevention

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Pneumonia
• Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated
• Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

• NCT number: NCT00234598
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Virginia Commonwealth University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: March 2002
• Completion date: February 2008