National Surveillance and Prevention of Neonatal VAP

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Jul 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying lung infections called ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) that can happen in very small or very early-born babies who need help breathing in hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The study aims to find out how often these infections occur in hospitals across Canada, especially those caused by germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Researchers also want to understand how these infections are currently diagnosed and treated, and whether they can develop clear, easy-to-follow guidelines to help hospitals prevent and treat VAP more effectively. The ultimate goal is to improve care for these vulnerable babies by reducing infection rates and avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Babies who are very low birth weight and admitted to certain NICUs in Canada may be eligible to be part of this study, especially if they develop VAP as diagnosed by their doctors. Families won’t need to do anything extra because the study uses information already collected during regular hospital care. Researchers will review this data and work with experts to create a standard approach for diagnosing and managing VAP that can be used across hospitals. This means better, more consistent care for newborns who need breathing support and are at risk for lung infections.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • All VLBW infants admitted to participating tertiary NICUs in Canada
• • All neonatal VAP events diagnosed based on the physicians' discretion
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Infants with major congenital anomalies
• • Infants with moribund status on admission