Association of Noninvasive Ventilation With Nosocomial Infections and Survival in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

The occurrence of nosocomial infections is a major source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.^1-4 Among the various risk factors for acquiring an infection in the intensive care unit (ICU), the use of invasive devices, such as intravenous catheters, urinary catheters, and endotracheal tubes, is the leading factor.^5-7 Whereas many of these devices cannot be avoided in the routine care of the patient, intubation of the trachea can be avoided in selected groups of patients by delivering ventilation through a full face mask or a nasal mask.^8,9