Serial, Non-invasive Analysis of Exhaled Breath Condensate in Ventilated Trauma Patients

This proposal investigates the utility of exhaled breath condensate fluid (EBCF) collected
from heat moisture exchange (HME) filters connected to patient's endotracheal tubes for
early, non-invasive detection of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill or
injured ICU patients. The development of pneumonia during mechanical ventilation is the most
common healthcare-associated infection in severely injured patients, accounting for
substantial morbidity, excess ICU and hospital stay, additional cost and increased mortality.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 18 or older

- Admitted to the Vanderbilt Trauma (TICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICU)

- Mechanically ventilated for ≥2 successive days (without planned extubation within 24
hours of enrollment)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Less than 18 years of age

- Expected survival less than 24 hours

- Anticipated extubation within 24 hours of enrollment

- Conditions limiting the subject's ability to tolerate collection of lavage specimens,
including: FIO2 > 80%; PEEP > 16 cmH2O; Intracranial pressure >20 cmH2O; Tracheal or
mucosal bleeding; Platelet count < 20,000 cells/uL; INR > 2.0

- Known prisoners

- Pneumonia diagnosis at the time of ICU admission