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January 14, 2026Open Forum Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

P-1047. Incidence and Characteristics of Ventilator-Associated Events (VAEs) in an adult ICU

SSSunit SikdarAll India Institute of Medical Sciences SSSeema Sood MSM SonejaAll India Institute of Medical Sciences

Key Points

This research aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of Ventilator-Associated Events in mechanically ventilated adults.
Conducted a prospective observational study in an adult ICU over two years.
Enrolled patients aged ≥18 years on invasive mechanical ventilation for over 48 hours.
Classified VAEs into categories: VAC, IVAC, and PVAP; collected respiratory samples for analysis.
Assessed outcomes including mortality and length of hospital and ICU stays using statistical methods.
The overall VAE incidence was 28.57%, or 28.8 per 1000 ventilator-days.
Sub-classification revealed VAC and IVAC rates of 7.2 per 1000 ventilator-days each, PVAP at 14.44 per 1000 ventilator-days.
The predominant organism in PVAP was carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, susceptible primarily to colistin.
Male gender and prolonged ICU stay were linked to VAE development.
Overall mortality among VAE patients was 15%.

Abstract

Abstract Background Ventilator-Associated Events (VAEs) were introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to replace traditional ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) definitions. This shift aims to reduce subjective variability, improve the reproducibility of surveillance, and capture both infectious and non-infectious complications in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in an adult ICU at a tertiary care center from January 2023 to December 2024. Patients aged ≥18 years, on invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours, were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded. VAEs were classified according to CDC criteria into Ventilator-Associated Condition (VAC), Infection-related VAC (IVAC), and Possible Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (PVAP). Respiratory samples (endotracheal aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, and protected specimen brush) were collected, cultured, and analyzed for pathogen profiles. Outcomes—including mortality, length of hospital and ICU stay—were assessed using appropriate statistical methods. Results Among 84 enrolled patients (mean age 41.9 years), the overall VAE incidence was 28.57%, translating to 28.8 per 1000 ventilator-days. Sub-classification revealed rates of 7.2 per 1000 ventilator-days each for VAC and IVAC, and 14.44 per 1000 ventilator-days for PVAP. The predominant organism in PVAP was carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii , susceptible primarily to colistin. Male gender and prolonged ICU stay were significantly associated with VAE development. Adherence to ventilator bundles did not significantly reduce VAE incidence. Overall mortality among VAE patients was 15%. Conclusion Standardized VAE criteria facilitate the timely detection of respiratory deterioration in ventilated patients. Enhanced infection control measures, personalized care, and targeted surveillance are paramount to reducing VAE rates and improving patient outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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