A Comprehensive Examination and Meta-Analysis of Laboratory Methods for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Diagnosis

Abstract

The risk of developing (VAP) is significantly increased for patients who are getting mechanical ventilation in hospitals. Whereas in the capacity of a result of this, it is absolutely necessary to obtain a precise diagnosis as quickly as possible in order to attain the most favorable possible outcomes within the treatment process. In the course of this investigation, a variety of laboratory procedures, were examined to determine the degree of precision with which they diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The utilization of sophisticated statistical methods was utilized in both the analysis of studies and the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory data. Both of these processes were carried out. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was shown to be superior to culture methods and Gram's stain in terms of specificity (86%) and sensitivity (92%). In contrast, the Gram's stain showed that it had the lowest sensitivity (74.6%) and the highest specificity (78.9%). In contrast to the quantitative, semi-quantitative, enrichment culture results, the specificity was found to be lower (75.97%), while the sensitivity was found to be moderate (78.5%). According to the findings of a meta-analysis, the testing method that is based on multiplex PCR was discovered to be the most accurate diagnostic technique for VAP. Following closely behind were the methods of culture. A combination of multiplex PCR, culture, and Gram's stain, in addition to separate assays, was utilized in order to reach a higher level of sensitivity. When it comes to providing successful therapy, it is extremely necessary to make a diagnosis of VAP as quickly and accurately as possible. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) continues to be the most accurate diagnostic procedure, despite the fact that there is the chance that it could be enhanced through combination diagnostic approaches. On the other hand, when it comes to improving and obtaining certification for VAP diagnostic instruments, extra study is required.