Usage of Procalcitonin to Reduce Antibiotics Duration in VAP in Neurosurgical ICU

Launched by UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA · Apr 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial aims to see if a test called Procalcitonin can help doctors reduce the length of time that patients in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) need to take antibiotics for a condition called Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a lung infection that can occur in patients who are on a ventilator for more than 48 hours. The researchers believe that by using the Procalcitonin test, they can identify which patients can safely shorten their antibiotic treatment, thereby minimizing the side effects that come with longer antibiotic use.

To participate in this trial, patients need to be over 18 years old, admitted to the Neuro-ICU or Trauma ICU, and have been on a ventilator for more than two days. They must also have been treated with antibiotics for their VAP for less than 24 hours before joining the study. Importantly, patients who are not expected to stay in the ICU for at least three days, those with non-bacterial infections, or those with severe immune system issues will not be eligible. If you or a loved one meets these criteria and is approached about participation, the study team will explain what to expect, including any tests and follow-up care related to the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients admitted to Neuro-ICU \& Trauma ICU
• • Patients aged \>18 years old.
• • Ventilation for \>48 hours
• • VAP and treated with antibiotics \<24hours prior to inclusion in trial.
• • Patient with arterial line or central line
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are on antibiotics but not assumed or proven to have VAP
• • Expected short ICU stay (\<3 Days)
• • Non-bacterial infections
• • Long term antibiotic treatment (transplant or chemotherapy patients, endocarditis, osteomyelitis)
• • Hospitalisation 48hours before enrolment
• • Severe immunosuppression
• • Pregnancy
• • Primary team's decision to continue antibiotics for 14 days prior to trial
• • DNAR or expected to die within 5 days