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Effectiveness of Oropharyngeal Suctioning in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Sponsor: University of Health Sciences Lahore
Summary
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a serious infection that affects patients who are on mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs). It can increase the risk of death, prolong hospital stays, and lead to higher healthcare costs. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of scheduled oropharyngeal suctioning (removal of secretions from the mouth and throat) every 4 hours in preventing early-onset VAP in ICU patients who require mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. The study will compare two groups of ICU patients: one group will receive scheduled oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours in addition to standard oral care, while the other group will receive only standard oral care. The main goal of the study is to determine whether regular suctioning reduces the incidence of VAP, improves patient recovery, and shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation. This research will help clarify whether adding scheduled suctioning to standard care can prevent VAP and improve clinical outcomes for critically ill patients, potentially leading to better practices in ICU care.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2025-09-10
Completion Date
2025-12-10
Last Updated
2025-08-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Scheduled Oropharyngeal Suctioning Every 4 Hours
The intervention in this study involves scheduled oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours, which distinguishes it from other oral care protocols used in clinical practice. In this arm, patients will receive systematic suctioning of the oropharyngeal area using a sterile suction catheter every 4 hours throughout their ICU stay, starting from the first day of mechanical ventilation. This frequent suctioning is designed to remove accumulated secretions that can harbor bacteria, reducing the risk of aspiration into the lungs, which is a major cause of early-onset Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). This intervention is not based on clinical need or visible signs of discomfort (as with traditional on-demand suctioning). Instead, it follows a standardized protocol of proactive, scheduled suctioning. The procedure will be performed by trained ICU staff and will involve suctioning for 10-15 seconds per session, ensuring adequate removal of secretions while minimizing patient discomfort. In
Standard Oral Care (Twice-Daily Brushing)
Participants in this group will receive standard oral care as part of ICU routine practice. This includes brushing of teeth, gums, and tongue twice a day to clear accumulated secretions and reduce bacterial growth. Additionally, on-demand suctioning will be performed if clinically indicated (e.g., when visible secretions or discomfort are observed). The control group will not receive the scheduled 4-hourly suctioning intervention, serving as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of regular suctioning in preventing VAP.