Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
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Table 5. Summary of Recommendations for Preventing
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in
Preterm Neonates
Recommendation Rationale
Best practices May lower VAP rates and minimal risks of harm; benefits likely
outweigh potential risks
Special approaches Unknown impact on VAP rates, but risk of harm likely
minimal; reasonable to consider implementing if rates remain
elevated despite basic practices
Generally NOT
recommended
Unknown impact on VAP rates and inadequate data on risks
May be harmful; risk-benefit balance does not favor
intervention unless specifically indicated for reasons other than
VAP prevention
Not recommended because appropriate products are not
available or approved for use in this population
