Table 4

Diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia in order of occurrence

Diagnostic criteria

n (%)


Leukocytosis

26 (68.4%)

Fever

24 (63.1%)

Purulent tracheal secretion

22 (57.8%)

Decrease of at least 10% in PaO2/FiO2 ratio

16 (42.1%)

Rales or dullness to percussion on chest examination

9 (23.6%)

Leucopenia

4 (10.5%)

Blood positive cultures

4 (10.5%)

Hypothermia

2 (5.2%)


FiO2, fractional inspired oxygen; PaO2, arterial oxygen tension.

Camargo et al. Critical Care 2004 8:R422   doi:10.1186/cc2965

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