Adult Guidelines
Duration of Therapy

Duration of Therapy

Duration

3-7 days sufficient for the vast majority of VAP

For HAP due to Pseudomonas

7 days likely sufficient for most Pseudomonas VAP

While clinical trials suggest higher recurrence with 7 vs 14 days for Pseudomonas VAP, recurrence as defined in trials is of uncertain clinical significance. Short-course therapy has similar mortality, mechanical ventilation, and critical care unit length of stay compared to long-course therapy.

For HAP due to S. aureus

Without S. aureus bacteremia: 7 days

With S. aureus bacteremia: Minimum 14 days (ID Consult recommended)